Chapter Text
Brian couldn’t remember the last time he had ever relaxed. All it went for the past few weeks was work, battles, strategizing, research and experiments. Day in and day out.
Not that it was a bad thing, of course. It was important for a Suit of superintelligence like himself to train his mind and continue developing his learning model. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to effectively ward off sneaky Toons like he could now.
Hmm, scratch that. There was one vivid memory of Brian enjoying himself—it was when Buck invited him out to the Lucky Ducky Casino. It was Buck’s idea of letting off steam from work. As Brian expected though, Buck wanted an excuse so he could gamble off his earnings.
Nevertheless, Brian still indulged in the experience. It wasn’t exactly his first choice to spend his leisure—that would be reserved for reading at home with a cup of cogfee by his side and expanding his already-impressive library of knowledge. Or jumping into a match of World of Warcog and completely annihilating other players (as he naturally would). Or scrolling through Creddit and putting pretentious Credditors, who thought they had anything worth saying, in their place. In fact, he was usually appalled by such social activities. Too stressful. Frivolous even. Brian was excellent in many fields, but even he had to admit he wasn’t built for—nor was he interested in—mindless prattle.
But Brian reckoned Buck’s presence made the outing a lot more bearable for him. Buck was pretty much the polar opposite of Brian—extroverted, outgoing, sociable. Whenever Brian was out with Buck, he would allow Buck to take the lead in these social situations. In a way, Brian was quite grateful for such a companion. It gave him the opportunity to observe from afar; studying people’s exchanges and mannerisms, taking mental notes on hot topics, and… well, he just despised making small talk with strangers.
When they arrived at the casino, Buck got Brian and himself some drinks. From the way Buck quipped and got all chummy with the bartender, Brian presumed it wasn’t his first trip at the casino. Either that or Buck was way too proficient at making new allies.
Buck continued to jabber about his work, something relating to poker, and how he had a “great feeling” he was going to win a jackpot that night. At some point, Brian was sure they were also discussing their future together. “Say, Brian.” Buck grinned. “We should buy a house on this street. It’ll be closer to the schoolhouse. And we can gamble here every night! Ha!”
Brian chuckled in response. He wasn’t a gambler himself, but Buck’s enthusiasm was something he admired about the man. And Buck was right. Brian wouldn’t need to take the long road from his apartment. After all, he required the extra energy to concoct plans and inventions to take care of those colorful casts of furry pests.
Buck then brought Brian to the slot machines. Brian had studied about slot machines before and the probabilities of winning a jackpot, but it was the first time he had used a slot machine in person. Adrenaline surging through his system, Brian was confident he was going to hit the jackpot.
Alas, he was embarrassed to say he didn’t win a lot. While this would usually bother him, Brian didn’t care much at that moment. He just wanted to mingle with Buck, who did win a hefty pay-out at the slot machines and roulette (it was a painful fact, but luck always beat intellect in that situation).
Buck offered Brian half of his winnings so he could try the slot machines again. He even offered to stay next to Brian as he played so “his luck would rub off on him” as Buck claimed. It was rather pitiful that Brian had to rely on his partner to be able to continue gambling, but it was also something intimate and exclusive to Brian and Brian alone. Buck would have never shared his winnings with anyone—including his friends—with how much he craved money. Brian guessed it was a virtue of being Buck’s boyfriend.
Brian’s heart fluttered thinking about it. It was very sweet of Buck.
And so, they continued gambling for hours with Brian’s winnings increasing by small but satisfying amounts while Buck’s earnings seemed to triple in size. Brian couldn’t believe it. Maybe Buck’s luck did rub off on him. There had to be a scientific explanation, but Brian wanted to enjoy his winnings foremost.
The rest of the night was a bit of a blur (mostly due to the numerous cogtails Brian had), but Brian remembered having so much fun… until he ended up provoking another gambler. Not his fault; the gambler was being extremely aggravating and obnoxious! Certainly uncharacteristic for a Boardbot. Brian vaguely remembered the Suit saying something along the lines of Brian being a “short nerd who couldn’t win anything even if his life depended on it”. And unfortunately for Brian, who was too drunk for his own good, punched the gambler in the sternum to shut them up.
This was markedly a terrible mistake as Brian wound up with some broken knuckles, a broken dome, a dented eye AND it prompted him and Buck getting kicked out of the casino. Brian was half expecting Buck to be mad at him for ruining his night. But there were no hard feelings from Buck. He was more worried for Brian.
“Does it hurt…?” asked Buck.
Brian rolled his eyes. “What do you think?”
Buck bit his lower lip. “Yeah, stupid question to ask.”
Buck put an arm around Brian’s waist as they headed back to Buck’s place. In the corner of Brian’s vision, there was a curious glint in Buck’s slot machine eyes. He seemed to be eyeing at the crack in Brian’s dome.
Metal made contact with glass. A sharp sting throbbed in the area and Brian let out a loud hiss.
“Don’t touch that!” Brian exclaimed.
Buck pulled his hand away. “Sorry! Sorry!” he said. “It looked temptin’.”
Brian growled. He was surprised he was able to hold his temper for this long.
“Here,” said Buck. “I know something that will help ease the pain.”
Buck placed a wet kiss on Brian’s forehead. Just like that, the exasperation swelling in his thorax dissipated, replaced with meek bashfulness. Brian’s cheeks heated up. He whipped his head to the side, away from Buck.
Brian cleared his throat. “Much appreciated, Ruffler.”
His heart was drumming against his thoracic cage. His brain was palpitating in his dome.
Buck let out a hearty guffaw. “Your face and brain are red!” he exclaimed. He caressed the side of Brian’s face. “Hey, I’ll help pat'cha up back home, alright?”
Brian would have given a smile if he could. Instead, he nodded his head. Buck took Brian’s good hand in his and squeezed it.
“Sucks that they took all our winnings though! Freaking jerks!! We earned those!!!” Buck blew a raspberry.
Brian scoffed. “They won’t have our winnings for long—or any winnings as far as I'm concerned—once the C.F.O. finds out about their little operation.”
Brian shot Buck a mischievous wink.
The corners of Buck’s beak twitched up. Then rambunctious laughter escaped his lips. Laughter so contagious that Brian snickered along with him.
The previously dead silent streets were filled with the two men’s chuckles and chortles.
That was the last excursion Brian ever had with Buck. How long has it been since then? Two months ago? Three? His brain was foggy.
Brian shook his head. No use for dwelling on the past. Only simple-minded fools did that. He had a certain goal in mind that could only be achieved by forward-thinking. And he was determined to reach that goal.
The streets of the Central Oil District were dim and empty, lit by feeble and flickering streetlights. A huge contrast to the regular bustling of the army of Suits and rowdy Toons during the day. There was barely anyone on the streets with the exception of the occasional Cog on patrol.
How long had Brian been out? He couldn’t believe it took him that long to get simple items. He should get back to the school basement quick.
Brian picked up his pace. His eyelids struggled to remain open; it was like they were two heavy boulders instead of aluminum parts. And every once in a while, his eyes would shut on their own, leaving him stumbling like a drunk person.
Brian leaned against a lamp post. Cog... he was freaking exhausted. Why did his propeller have to go faulty tonight of all times?
Brian rubbed his eyes, and a pang of realization hit him. This was the same street Buck and him took to that casino.
Curses. No matter where Brian went, something would circle back to that crazed Cashbot. It was like the universe was taunting him.
Brian sighed. They couldn't even interact with each other anymore. C.O.G.S Inc. barred them for doing so or they would face severe consequences.
As a result of the injunction, Brian mostly kept to himself and his Desk Jockeys in the school basement. Brian was already a secluded person before Buck, and without him, there was frankly no reason for him to go out and meet anyone if it wasn’t work related. Unfortunately, this also meant substantial progress in his social skills took a serious downturn. It was a huge shame. Buck really did help to break him out of his shell.
Buck on the other hand... Brian wasn’t really sure. He couldn’t look at Buck for a few minutes without guilt disintegrating him from the inside. But word of mouth said that Buck was hanging out with his other co-workers a lot more. A part of him was glad the others accepted Buck in spite of his condition. But another part couldn't help but wonder if those same co-workers were talking behind Buck's back.
Some of the other employees and Buck's higher-ups certainly were. It made Brian's blood boil just thinking about it. He dreaded the day Buck's bosses would find Buck's increased sloppiness and recklessness too unbearable—his gambling addictions especially became much more severe after the accident—and inevitably have to let him go.
And of course, it was hard to not notice Buck with Dave BruBot. Every time Brian saw the duo, they were singing together and laughing out loud. And Buck was almost always together with hymn.
They might as well have been best friends.
Brian tightened his grip on the lamp post. Or much closer.
Brian shivered as a chill went up his spine. He honestly couldn’t believe it. Buck and him were... were partners for cog’s sake! Lovers!! The fact that Buck could move on so easily was unfathomable to him!
What about those days of playing chess together? Watching movies on the couch? Eating burgers at McCognald’s? Reading books together? Playing sudoku? Playing video games? Going to the museum? Embracing each other?? Doing science experiments?? Plotting against Toons??!
Did all of that mean nothing?!
...
Could Brian really blame Buck though? The tune-up incident had cost Buck's entire career and social life. Gone were the days of the eccentric yet charming and astute Duck Shuffler, and now all that was left was a frenzied man who could not control his gambling tendencies.
If there was anyone who would understand and care about Buck, it would be Dave BruBot. And Brian should have been happy for Buck. Buck deserved to have a happy and healthy life, especially after what Brian did to him. He deserved to be with someone who didn't do horrific experiments on their significant other and didn’t have such a gigantic ego.
...
Brian was selfish. That’s why.
He still loved Buck. And he missed him. He missed hanging out with Buck. He missed resting his head on his soft, feathery chest. He missed the gentle kisses Buck would give him every night. Seeing someone else receive Buck’s attention and affection felt like an ice pick piercing through his heart.
Even on the night of the accident, Brian was selfish to not consider the possible pitfalls. He was too impulsive, arrogant and selfish to consider Buck’s well-being. Hell, he also offered to do the tune-up mostly for experimental data rather than to help Buck. What a sick person he was.
And because of that, they both suffered the consequences.
But it was more so Buck who suffered worse. Brian received a mild electric shock, slight trembling in his hands, a warning and a slap on the wrist; Buck was inflicted with severe damage to his internal system, needed to be sent for repair, couldn't be repaired properly due to “budget cuts” (damn this company for being such a filthy cheapskate), and had a permanent change in appearance and behavior that affected his job opportunities.
Brian’s eyes stung. He let out a loud gasp and allowed his tears to flow this time.
It should have been Brian’s system that got fried. Not Buck’s. He didn’t deserve…
Brian let out a long exhale.
Maybe… maybe Brian can still fix this. He must fix this. Whether or not Buck would accept him back, it didn’t matter. Buck still didn’t deserve Brian’s muck up.
The world spun as Brian took a step away from the lamp post. He pressed his knuckles on his temple. Cog, how much further was the schoolhouse…? He was getting really tired. Maybe he shouldn’t have worked so late tonight.
No. He needed to. The faster Brian could find a way to fix the mistake he made, the faster things could go back to how they were.
With every step Brian took, the air seemed to grow colder and colder. And colder. And colder. And colder. And colder. And cold—
Wow, it’s freezing. Was Brian in the Central Oil District or the Coal and Ice District right now?
He was so… so… sickeningly... lethargic…
In the distance, Brian could see two figures walking down the street toward him. It looked to be some Suits, but his vision was so blurry that he couldn’t make out their features.
“Brian?” the shorter figure called out. “ITH THAT YOU?”
Brian could feel his gears slowing down. Damn... this isn’t good...
“What’cha doin’ here THITH LATE AT NIGHT??”
Brian’s legs gave out. He dropped to the ground with a loud crash.
“BRIAN?!”
Brian curled into a ball. Cog, he just wanted to close his eyes... and... rest...
“...ian!”
Brian could feel someone holding him. He inched closer into their arms.
So warm... So... nice...
A loud buzzing whirred from Brian’s form.
Then darkness took over.
***
Buck puffed out his chest as he marched down the street. His steps matched the rhythm of the melody Dave was singing. Buck himself couldn’t resist humming along to the tune.
Other than the duo, the street was pretty much dead and gloomy. Definitely not something to Buck’s taste. He enjoyed the hustle and bustle when patrolling the streets in the day, even if they were often filled with annoying Toons.
Actually, Buck would argue that the annoying Toons were the most exciting part of his job.
How long have Buck and Dave been out? Buck’s eyes sneaked a peep at his wristwatch.
4:13 AM? DAMN. They have been out WAY LONGER than Buck had planned!! If Brian was here, he would have nagged; probably saying something like “professional Suits shouldn’t be up so late! You’ll fall asleep at work! We need to get to work on time!” YADA, YADA, YADA. Buck could hear his squeaky, nasally voice yapping away.
Buck scoffed and clamped down his sharp, pearly whites into a wide beam. Well, tomorrow’s a weekend anyway! He could always recharge himself if his battery went down.
And from the looks of it, Buck was completely fine! FIT AS A FIDDLE! Why wouldn’t he be? He just won ten jackpots!! HA!!
Buck gave two skips and a twirl.
“I see that’cha jumping in jubilance,” Dave piped up. “Feeling extra elated, Bucky-boo?”
“Heck yeah!” exclaimed Buck. He took out a wad of cash from his pocket and vaunted it at Dave. “Lady Luck wath practically DANTHIN’ with uth!! WE’VE WON THO MUCH TONIGHT!!!”
After three failed attempts at earning any sizeable winnings, Buck was starting to worry his luck might have run out. He internally shuddered. Oh, what a TOTAL NIGHTMARE that would be! Well, it was safe to say HE STILL GOT THIS!! HAHA!!
“Skibidi-do, I’m not exactly a gambling sorta guy. But when I’m cruisin’ the casinos, I always win something with you.”
“Ya know,” said Buck. “I feel like orderin’ uth thome burgerth. Bill’th on me!”
Dave shook his head. “It’s 4 am, babe,” he said. “I’d better get some beauty sleep! Can’t conduct a canorous coliseum if the host snoozes to the grooves.”
Dave performed a short moonwalk and tapped his cymbal. “The audience anticipates the master maestro to maintain his melodies and moves!”
Buck shrugged, a bit bummed at Dave’s rejection. “Yeah, that’th true...”
A brilliant idea popped into Buck’s mind, and he flashed a cheeky grin. “MAYBE I could treat your audienthe at your conthert tomorrow night! I’m feelin’ generouth.”
Dave snapped his fingers. “That would be...” Another moonwalk. “...fab-fab-fab-fab-fabulous, baby!”
Heck yeah!
“The audience will appreciate the amazingly astounding appetizers,” said Dave. “I could also introduce you as a special guest on the stage. The audience oughta know their spectacular, selfless sponsor. Right, babe?”
HECK YEAH!!!
Buck snatched Dave’s hands and attempted to tango with hymn. It took Dave a while to realize it from Buck’s sloppy steps, but he connected the dots and reciprocated Buck’s dance moves, bearing grace and passion. A giggle crept up the back of Buck’s throat, which formed into a full-blown cackle.
The pair—huffing and puffing—ended their tango with a bow and boisterous laughter.
“Boy, I loooooove goin’ out with my ol’ pal!!” Buck smiled. “I mean, I hang out with a LOT of people. But I feel like I only have thith much fun with YOU, Davey!!”
Dave chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that, babe.”
“The only other person I have loadth of fun with would be…”
Numbness tingled at the tips of Buck’s fingers. Then it spread across his limbs like a violent wave. The numbness continued to envelop his heart, leaving his chest hollow and yearning. The dimples of Buck’s cheeks slumped to a frown.
“What’s the issue, Bucky-boo?” asked Dave.
Buck cursed under his breath. Not again. Weeks of spending time with Dave and Buck’s other friends should have made him forget about HIM.
Then again, the choice of tonight’s location wasn’t really the best either, was it?
“It’th...” His throat felt dry.
Buck bit his lip and gulped. He hated how he couldn't talk about HIM without his eyes stinging.
“Still ruminate about your old flame?” said Dave.
Buck sighed. “He haunth me to thith day, Dave,” he said. Dave placed a hand on Buck’s waist and pulled him close. “The petty thide of me wanth to forget him completely. But I know the true thide of me thill loveth him.”
Dave patted Buck’s back, earning a relaxed hum from the Suit. “There, there,” Dave cooed.
The two stayed like that for a few moments. Buck closed his eyes as warmth spread across his body. It felt nice to cuddle like this. Brian and him always cuddled when they were home. Brian especially loved to nestle in Buck’s arms in bed every night. He was quite the cuddle bug, even if Brian was too haughty to admit it.
Buck would kill to snuggle up with Brian again.
“There’s a quaint little question leaving me rather quizzical.” Dave broke the silence. “Weren’t you the one who pulled the trigger, Baby Blue? Dont’cha feel relieved to be free from the leashes of your liaison?”
Buck groaned and pressed his forehead against Dave’s shoulder. He was unable to answer that.
“It’th complicated.”
Buck’s hinges ached. Cog, talking about Brian was always sooooo DRAINING. It was a relief Dave was there for him. Tender hands stroked Buck’s nape and he let out another relaxed sigh.
Oh, what would Buck do without Dave?
“Speak of the Devil!”
Buck turned his head behind. “What?”
“It looks like Thinker-doll is on this street too,” said Dave.
Buck froze. His palms were sweating. BRIAN WAS HERE???
Alright, calm down. Calm down, Buck.
“I wanna talk to him,” said Buck.
It sucked how C.O.G.S Inc. made it so much harder for him to speak with Brian. Apparently, they were worried that Brian might pull off another dangerous stunt on Buck.
Well, that’s not to say their worries were completely baseless. Throughout their relationship, Brian HAS made tons of bizarre inventions and experiments. It never bothered Buck though; he has always been fascinated by strange things. One of his favorite things to do with Brian was watch him do his wacky science and maths thing-ys. It was probably why he was one of the very few people who could become close with Brian.
But Buck knew Brian never intended for anything malicious to happen during that tune-up incident. He saw how apologetic Brian was; how he tried to fix things. He had caught Brian with streaks of dried tears under his eyes whenever Brian was alone.
That being said, when Buck wanted to console him, Brian always acted like nothing was wrong and went back to his conceited, condescending self. It frustrated the HELL out of Buck.
Anyway, this was the perfect opportunity to speak with Brian. Dave would never rat them out. Past Buck wouldn't have given two hoots about his job, especially since he could get sick of it sometimes. But after these past few months, Buck realized it would really suck to lose a position he worked hard for! And he didn’t want Brian to get fired either, knowing how proud he was to earn his title as a regional manager. He wore his title like a freaking badge! And he wouldn’t stop bragging about it to his colleagues either.
Buck and Brian’s last interaction was… less-than-stellar, to put it simply. But Buck guessed it was expected for a breakup. He’d better end things off on good terms.
Dave pressed his teeth together. Despite wearing sunglasses, Buck could feel the uncertainty emanating from his stare. “Are you sure?” Dave asked.
WAS he sure? WAS this a good idea? Brian must have been angry with Buck. Buck wouldn’t blame him. What he said to Brian during the breakup was hurtful… even if he felt hurt by Brian too.
Which would make it more important to amend things… right?
Buck nodded.
“Alright then,” Dave replied.
The two approached the lone Sellbot.
It was strange though. Brian wasn’t one to stay up this late, even on Friday nights. It had something to do with improving productivity and memory and all that claptrap. Buck didn’t really care about any of that. Unfortunately, it made inviting Brian out really hard.
“Brian?” Buck called out. “ITH THAT YOU?”
Buck clenched his clammy hands. Right, first things first: act friendly. This was his ex-boyfriend. Sure, things didn’t go so well the last time, but there was no need to hold grudges.
Ugh, Buck would be lying if he said he wasn’t a bit nervous.
“What’cha doin’ here THITH LATE AT NIGHT??”
A head-splitting CLANK reverberated in the area which made both Buck and Dave jump. In a split second, Brian was on the ground. Adrenaline rushed through Buck’s system. By instinct, he bolted toward Brian.
“BRIAN?!” Buck cried out.
Buck’s heart pounded against his ribcage. No. NONONONONONONO—
Buck scooped Brian up and cradled him in his arms. Brian was wheezing like he was out of breath. Oh, cog...
“B-Brian! C-can you hear me...?” Buck whimpered.
Brian let out a low whine and dug his face into Buck’s chest. A whirring noise came out from the smaller Suit. And then silence.
Buck recognised the sound—Brian was in Emergency Power Saving mode.
He felt like throwing up.
“Is he alright...?” Dave asked from behind, voice rife with concern.
Tears dripped from Buck’s eyes. “I... I don’t think tho.”
“Maybe we can bring him home,” said Dave. “Where does Brian live?”
Brian’s apartment was all the way across the other side of the Central Oil District. There was no way they could make it in time before Brian’s battery depleted.
“It’th too far away,” said Buck. “I don’t know if we could drag him all the way there.”
Dave put a finger under his chin. “My cosy little crib in the Brass and Shipping District is certainly off the table.”
They had no other choice then.
“I gueth we have to bring him back to MY houthe then,” said Buck.
Dave knitted his eyebrows. “Are you sure? You just had a break—”
“And what then?? Just LEAVE him HERE??! ALONE???!!”
Buck gritted his teeth. His fingers were digging into his palms. His blood bubbled with rage.
Why was Dave trying to meddle in THEIR affairs? Why did it matter what happened between Buck and Brian?? Brian’s life was in DANGER!!! Was Dave implying they should LEAVE Brian??! How DARE HE!! HOW DARE HE SUGGEST LEAVING BRIAN...!!!
“Buck?”
Buck shook his head. He took a deep breath. Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out…
Calm yourself, Buck.
Dave’s jaw hung. And then he nodded. “I’m sorry. You’re right,” said Dave. “We can’t leave Thinker-doll here. Who knows what could be out here to get him? Poor guy won’t be able to defend himself.”
A lump was obstructing Buck’s throat. He remained silent for a few seconds, and then gave a grunt of acknowledgement.
Buck and Dave needed to act fast. It would be very VERY dangerous if Brian’s battery hit zero percent. The LAST thing Buck wanted was for Brian’s system to break down.
“I’ll help you carry Brian,” said Dave.
Buck shot a coy smile. “Thankth, Dave.”
Dave picked Brian up like a rag doll and flopped him over his shoulder. As the adrenaline wore down, so did Buck’s anger. Buck was now very aware of his unruly behavior toward Dave just now, and how he wished he could take his words back.
“Dave...” Buck whispered. “I-I’m thorry.”
Dave tilted his head. “No need for apologies, babe,” he said. “I’m the one who needs to apologize. What I said was out of line.”
Dave held Buck’s hand. “I know how much you care for Thinker-doll,” he said, caressing Buck’s thumb.
Buck felt his cheeks heat up. He wondered how Dave was able to put up with his crap and still be his closest friend. He was incredibly grateful for hymn.
Buck stole a glimpse at Brian.
The man was motionless, save for the faint rise and fall of his chest. Brian’s faceplate was twisted upside down and his expression was stuck in a contorted grimace. It broke Buck’s heart to see him like this.
“He’ll be alright.” Dave assured. “We’ll make sure of that, right?”
Buck pursued his lips and nodded. He wasn’t sure what caused Brian to end up like this. But whatever it was, he would still make sure Brian was safe.
Buck and Dave took out their propellers and began flying back to Buck's house.