"So, those two clowns know what a period is now..." Vanessa talks to Codie through her phone.

"Pfft," Codie stifles a bubble of laughter.

Vanessa scoffs, "Ugh! Just don't say I didn't do anything for you!" After a couple seconds, she laughs as well, the absurdity of what she just told two daycare attendants coming back to her.

"Anyway, don't let them bother you too much. Caring is just in their programming but they border on overbearing a lot. I haven't seen them this happy in a long time, though..." Vanessa frowns. 'Not since before the virus...' she sighs sadly, rubbing the bridge of her nose for a moment before taking a breath to continue.

Codie beats her to it, though, not noticing her change of tone, "Yeah, I get it. Sort of... I'm actually getting ready to go in for a job interview here soon and I just know they'll have a fit about me straining myself. Like- I know not to push myself, I'm still recovering but it's just an interview!"

Vanessa lets the girl rant, Thor knows she needs this. When she finishes, the blonde speaks up, reassuring the ginger. "Yeah, don't let them push you around. They mean well, of course, but just tell 'em like it is, they'll understand." Codie nods to herself, Vanessa's right!

"Thanks, V...er Vanessa, sorry, do you have any nicknames you prefer? Like V? Or Ness, Or Vann-"

"Ness!" Codie flinches from the shout. "Ness is good! I like Ness, yeah. Call me that... ha, or Vanessa, whichever!"

"Ohhhkaaay... I'll talk to you later, bye." The girl hangs up, wondering what the heck that was about but not dwelling for too long. She grabs her things and exits the room. Sun and Moon hang out in their bedroom, Moon reading while Sun plays with Moon's 3DS. The two came home yesterday to apologize but noticed Codie's door shut with the lights off.

They figured they'd leave her be and talk to her in the morning and, not wanting to disturb her, Sun hung out in the room all morning instead of making a ruckus. The two hear her door open and they stop what they're doing. "Oh, oh! Sunbite's up! Come on, Moonie!"

Moon's eyes look up to Sun's. "Sun, she's not exactly a 'morning person', don't bum rush her." He looks back down to the page he's on. Sun pouts, looking down to the piece of paper he was holding.

Last night, he stayed up making Codie an 'I'm Sorry' drawing. He was pretty proud of it, too, making a realistic portrait of the redhead. He doesn't draw like that often, preferring the childish art style he enjoyed with the kids more, but he figured Codie would appreciate this style more.

After not hearing a reply, Moon glances back up and his neutral face turns to concern. "Aw, no Sun, I didn't mean it like that. You know she'll love your drawing. I just meant...don't swamp her. Like how you would with the children when the daycare opened."

His brother has a point. Sun would get so excited for those first few months the daycare was open. He would unintentionally scare the kids with his enthusiasm and even hugged a kid too tight. He winces at the memory. But he's right, give the girl some time to wake up and then show her his masterpiece!

"I'm headed out!" They hear her voice call out from the living room. The solar and lunar bot freeze for a moment before scrambling to get up. Codie just about gets the door open when two hulking animatronics step over each other trying to get out of the narrow doorway.

'I shouldn't have even said anything...' Codie deadpans, her mouth in a straight line. 'Don't laugh... Don't laugh...' The scene they're making is so funny, she can't help but snort.

"Sunbeam!" Sun shouts, stopping himself from falling forward, his arms pinwheeling to balance himself. "Um, h-hey! Where are you, uh, whatcha up to?'

Codie's eyebrow quirks. 'Man, looking up periods must have messed them up...' She hopes this isn't a permanent thing. This is why she couldn't tell them! They must be grossed out by her if they're acting this awkward. Even Moon looks uncertain.

"I'm going in for an interview at that cafe I told you about." She watches as Moon's face goes through multiple emotions. Worry, concern, guilt and fear.

"Star-" Should he ask, though? He doesn't want to overstep but dammit he can't help but worry for her! What if something happens and he isn't there? What if her stitches come out? They aren't to be removed until the end of the week. What if she has another panic attack?

Sun, noticing his brother's spiraling, kneels down and smiles at their roommate. "Here, Sunbite. Read it when you can, call us if you need anything, alright?" he speaks to her so softly she would have thought it'd be Moon if it wasn't for the voice difference.

Blinking down at the piece of paper, Codie gently takes it, a smile adorning her face. She turns to leave when Sun speaks up one last time.

"And good luck on your interview!" His voice comes back as boisterous as ever. Codie exits the apartment in a good mood, hopeful. When the door closes, Sun releases a big, synthetic breath. "Woo! Did you see her face, Moonie!?" Sun turns around to see his brother frozen in thought.

Realizing he's being stared at, Moon forces a smile. "Yeah, I-I saw it alright. Good job, Sunny."

He berates himself. He's usually the calm and collected brother but with Codie he just... So many emotions flow through him and he can't understand them. His mind becomes jumbled and words don't come out like he wants. He wanted to stop her from leaving. He wanted to apologize. He wanted to...he doesn't even know!

What he does know is that he doesn't want her to leave his sight. Not with all those people knowing she is affiliated with them. He wants to say that's all but he knows it isn't.

~~~~~~

Codie pulls out Sun's paper when she pulls up to the cafe, parking and shutting off her car. She flips it over and gasps. On it is a beautifully drawn portrait of herself. She narrows her eyes, squinting at her face. There's-there's so many freckles! They're all spaced out yet clumped together so perfectly. The only color Sun added were her eyes and hair. A mesmerizing emerald green and a fiery red.

Wow. Just wow. This is the best drawing she's ever seen. Sure, Sun showed her his pictures of Moon,i but a picture of an animatronic is vastly different that of a human. The way he sketched her is out of this world. She brushes her fingers over it.

She finally notices the words.

'Dear Sunshine/Dewdrop,

We're very sorry for the way we reacted. We've never had a friend like you before. We care about you sosososo much and over-reacted. We understand so much now! Please don't feel like you can't tell us anything. We promise to work on being the most bestest of friends instead of caretakers!

Love, Sun and Moon

'Gosh dangit!' Codie sniffles, rubbing her teary eyes. These bots will be the death of her! Now her eyes are red from crying and she's got an interview! She dabs them with a napkin and checks herself in the rear-view mirror. Eh, good enough. Codie takes a deep breath before entering Coffee Garden.

She then immediately berates herself for pushing on the door that clearly says 'PULL'. She glances around and thankfully, it seems as if no one saw her mishap. Codie gets to the counter, smiling at the worker. They smile back. "Hello! How may I help you?"

"Hi, I'm here for the interview!" Realization dawns on the barista's face. Her lips make an 'O' as she snaps her fingers.

"That's right! Let me go get my manager!"

'She seems nice!' Codie thinks. Hopefully she can make a friend or two here. The lady, Chrissy, Codie recalls from the name-tag, comes back out with another woman in tow. A brunette with a perm and large curls bounce on the lady's shoulders as she puts her hand out. "Hello. I'm Lois, the manager."

Codie shakes the larger woman's hand, introducing herself. Lois gestures to a table near the back of the shop where it's more quiet. The two sit down and Lois pulls out a notepad. "So Codie, how did you hear about this position?"

Codie looks down at the table, eyeing a stain as she thinks, 'Weird first question, but at least it's easy.' "Uh, I saw the sign on the window out front when I drove by."

Lois hums. "Why do you want this job?" she asks the next question.

"I want to help support myself and my roommates." Ah man, what else? Think! Before Codie could add onto her answer, the manager asks the next one.

"And do you work better independently or as a team?"

"Definitely independently," Codie quickly adds, "but! I'm totally here for working together as a team! I'm a quick learner and am good at following one's lead."

She smiles when Lois shakes her head with another hum. She seems to be doing a pretty good job. "When could you start if hired, hun?"

Oh, that was quick. "Well I just got out of surgery for a ruptured appendix a few days ago, so it'd have to be, at minimum, two weeks." Codie speaks meekly, wondering if she should have told her that.

"Mm, okay, thank you for your interest, Codie. You'll be getting a call if you got the job within a few days or so." Lois stands up, putting her notepad in her back pocket and extending her hand. Codie grins, accidentally scratching her hand on the long acrylic nails the woman's wearing but ignores it for a firm shake.

"Thank you ma'am! Have a good day!" Codie leaves, feeling hopeful and confident. 'I think I did pretty well, all things considered!' She thought about Sun wishing her good luck and their apology to get her through her nerves. She should get them something, too, as thanks for always being there for her even if they were a bit too much.

She wouldn't change it, or them, for the world though.

Would it be weird to walk back in to order some drinks?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh boys~!" Codie sings as she steps through the front door, drink holder balanced in her hands as she fiddles with her key. Moon walks down the hallway, faceplate quirked with curiosity. "I brought drinks!"

He gave a surprised smile as he stops in front of her, gently taking the drink holder from her grasp. He eyes the two different drinks and wonders what she got for them. "Did I hear drinks!?" Sun runs from his room. "Oooo! Yummy, yum! Thank you, Sunbite!" Without warning, Sun reaches and grabs a cup before Moon can make a decision.

He lets out an offended 'hey!' before grumpily taking the remaining one. Codie giggles and looks to Sun, his white eyes brightening with delight. "Good?" she smirks.

"Yesyesyes! How did you know caramel is my favorite!?" Codie just shrugs. The solar bot pouts playfully but then ruffles her hair. "How was the interview, Dewdrop?" Codie blushes, she almost forgot about that!

Moon nods, wondering himself. Also, how did she know their favorites? She got him dark chocolate and cherry. She waves them off, averting her eyes, "Ah, I think it went well! Probably from your good luck, Sunny!"

He leans in close, smirking and spinning his rays. "Annnnd?"

"Oh! Right, yes, thank you boys very much. I appreciated the letter." Sun steps back with a frown, narrowing his eyes. Moon chuckles as Codie tilts her head innocently.

"What else, Sunshine!?" Sun whines, tapping his foot.

The ginger puts a finger to her chin, looking up to the ceiling. "Hm, I'm not sure what you mean!" She revels in his puppy-dog look for a moment before laughing. He giggles, too, before gasping in surprise.

Codie ran into his chest, wrapping her arms as far as she can in a great big hug. Not expecting this, Sun gently taps her back a few times. "Sunbite?"

"It was beautiful, Sunny. Best drawing I've ever seen, really. Thank you sosososo much! I'm going to put it next to my bed." Moon smiles softly at the scene, sipping his drink. He knew she'd love it, how can anyone not love Sunny's work?

"Oh! Ohohohoh you're very welcome, Lovely!" Codie blushes. That's a new one. He then remembers the good news! "And, oh! My beetles came in today!"

Codie steps back, hiding a grimace. And her mood was doing so well, too. "That's-ah, great! Are they big?"

Sun goes to answer but Moon beats him to it. "To our standard, no. To yours? Probably." He shrugs. He figured Sun would say no, because while they are puny insects to them, Codie might find them quite large.

"Ah, okay. Cool. And they're in the enclosure right? Like right now?" She points her finger down for emphasis on the 'now'.

"Yup yup yup!" Sun giddily sways on his feet. At that, he swiftly exits the living room, heading back to his. "Wanna come see them!?" Codie quickly averts her gaze, making sure not to look directly at the Sun.

"Uh, maybe later, Sunny, I've got some things to do!" Sun doesn't notice her aversion and just nods happily, going back to the room. Moon does notice her hesitance, however, and tilts his head down at her after Sun leaves.

Codie fiddles with her fingers as Moon watches, taking another sip. He lowers his cup. "You alright, Nova?" Codie flinches, forgetting he was there. He's so quiet.

"Oh, I mean, not really but you know, haha."

"Mhm," he hums, unconvinced, "care to elaborate?" She thinks about it, flopping her body onto the couch with an 'oof'.

"I want to be happy that Sun's happy, but bugs just creep me out so much and I feel bad."

Moon sits next to her, moving her legs to sit before putting them back on top of his lap. "I can see it in your eyes that you are happy for him, Star, but your fear is getting in the way of sharing it with him."

She groans. He's right, of course. "Why did he have to get bugs..." she whines, putting her arm over her eyes.

Moon smiles, patting her legs. "He loves all things nature, as do I, but I don't think I'd get bugs as pets. What about you, though? What pet do you want?" He prods at her sole, his blue fingers digging into her sock. She wiggles.

"Ack! Stoppit!" He smirks, letting her withdraw her feet as she sits up. She brushes the hair from her face, turning to look at his. "I was thinking about a Guinea Pig. They're cute, cuddly hamsters but bigger and will actually sit on you. Plus, they sleep at night so they wouldn't keep me up."

Moon nods. Guinea Pigs are pretty cute, though he's never seen one in person. The lunar animatronic reaches over and grabs the TV remote, clicking it on. "Wanna watch something?" he smirks, wiggling the remote at her.

"Yeah! What's on?" Codie settles into a comfortable position. They relax together as Moon flips through channels, finally landing on the Gameshow channel. "Oh, oh! Last one's totally ballet!" Codie calls out, pointing at the screen.

The two watch America Says, the current board asking which sports require unique shoes. So far one of the teams have answered each blank correctly except for the last. Moon nods, it's definitely a good answer.

Both teams never get it, so the host fills it in. It was ballet. "Haha! I knew it! We need to get on this show..." Codie mumbles the last part.

Moon chuckles. No way would anyone let animatronics on a gameshow, but it's a nice thought. Sun re-emerges from his bedroom, skipping down the hallway. "Whatcha guys doin'?!" he asks with a hum.

"Watching gameshows, wanna join?" Moon gestures to the couch. Codie moves closer to Moon to give his brother more room. Sun hums. It certainly seems like a lot of fun, but he wants to show Codie his beetles now!

"Actually! I was wondering if you want to see them now, since you're not busy! Moon did earlier, he liked them!" Moon never said he liked them, per-say, he just likes that they make his other half happy.

The two share a look. Moon moves his eyes towards the bedroom, trying to encourage the human. She subtly nods no, trying to not show her hesitance to the sunny bot. The two argue silently for a moment before Codie caves.

"Okay!" She smiles forcefully, grinding her teeth. She gets up and follows the eager Sun. Moon waves with a smirk.

"You'll be fine, say hello to them for me!" She glares at him while he chuckles lowly. What a tease.

As she walks down the hall, Codie grumbles to herself, 'I'll kick your metal ass, that's what I'll do for you...' She quickly straightens up and enters their room. Sun has his arms out, showing off his enclosure. Codie walks up to it, thankfully not seeing any beetles yet.

There's rotting wood, substrate, water, and the likes inside. At least the wood doesn't smell. Codie wrinkles her nose. "Where are they?" She immediately regrets asking when Sun reaches his hand in the tank. She didn't mean for him to grab them!

"I got one! This is Simmy and his brother is Tally. He's hiding somewhere in the wood." Sun extends his arm while bending down to give Codie a look. She does so, albeit skeptical. Oh wow, they are pretty big. The beetle is about a little less than half of his palm and that's saying something considering the attendant's large hands.

It has a shiny leathery back and pokey looking legs. She grimaces at its large pincers. It also has a, she admits, pretty cute horn on its head, too. "Hi, Simmy..." She gives it a little wave.

"Isn't he the cutest wittle guy?" Sunny coos at it. Yeah, if you call a little monster with six legs and giant pincers cute, then sure.

"Very cute, Sun-bun, but maybe keep it in its tank for now, yeah?" Gosh she feels like a baby.

"Don't you want to hold him?"

"NO! I mean," the ginger coughs into her fist. Sun blinks, moving the bug back towards his chest. "I mean, I'm just a bit, wary of bugs, Sunny. I'm okay with looking." She gives him a reassuring but weak smile.

"Sure..." he smiles feebly, unsure of his friend's reaction now. He gently puts Simmy back, closing the top with the wire lid. Codie exits and Sun follows, his rays going back and forth anxiously.

He cries out to Moon, "Moonie, Sunbite hates me!" He watches his brother jump from his sitting position from the sudden outcry. Moon looks down the hall at the two. Codie smiles and waves, turning into the kitchen, while he narrows his eyes at Sun.

"What the heck are you going on about?!" he glares. What could have possibly happened the few minutes he showed Codie his pets? "Codie does not hate you..."

"Sh-she freaked out when I showed her! I shouldn't have pushed her! And now she's upset with me!" Moon rolls his eyes. Whatever will he do with his over-dramatic, panic ridden, jump to conclusions, brother?

"Sun. Listen to me and stop pulling your rays," Moon puts his hands together, pointing at the sunny bot. "Codie. Is. Afraid. Of. Bugs."

Sun gently lets go, confusion in his eyes. "A...fraid?" Of his beautiful beetles?

"She sucked it up because she knew how happy you were. I'm surprised she got close to em'. If anything, she loves you enough to put her fears behind her to make you happy, you see?"

Sun understands her reactions now. She wasn't upset with him! Wait, did he say love? "L-love?!" his voice squeaks out loud. Moon realizes his mistake, sputtering in their headspace.

"I meant like! She likes you enough. I-I wouldn't know how she feels about us..." he trails off with a frown.

Sun doesn't notice his brother's depressed mood and starts thinking of all the ways they can make her happy. 'Oh! That slumber party we talked about!'

Codie stands, watching from the kitchen as the brothers stay still but keep emoting. "You guys having some secret conversation or something?" Both widen their eyes as they get caught.

"Ah heh, maybe?" Moon chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. He shuts the TV off and gets up. He starts to walk off but Codie grabs his wrist.

"Wait! Were you really? Is it some twin telepathy?" Her eyes shine eagerly. The nighttime attendant looks down at her, his wires twinging with a rush of emotion. While Moon is stuck in stasis, Sun smirks and walks around them, bending down to whisper in Codie's ear.

"Wouldn't you like to know, Lovely." Codie immediately sputters, eyes wide. She lets go of Moon's wrist and he breaks from his trance.

"N-not fair!" she cries, her cheeks a deep pink. She runs after him as he saunters to his room with her fist shaking in the hair.

Moon blinks. What just happened?

~~~~~~~~~

As the sun sets, Sunny moves the couch and lays blankets in front of the TV. He then grabs the cushions from the couch and sets them up in a make-shift fort, lying even more fuzzy blankets on top to make a roof.

He pings Moon to bring Codie out as he was having him distract her by playing Animal Crossing together. He stands back to look at his masterpiece, putting a finger to his chin. Blankets? Check. Pillow fort? Check. Extra pillows and blankets to cuddle with? Check. Food?

'Food!' he cries to himself. He forgot the food! He pulls out his phone and quickly dials Codie's favorite pizza place. He places an order for two pies right as Codie and Moon join him.

"Whoa!" Codie gasps. "What's all this?"

Sun lowers his hand and puts his phone back into his over-sized pockets. "O-oh! Well, me and Moonie thought it'd be nice to have that sleepover together." He suddenly turns bashful, "I-if you want..."

"Heck yeah I want! This looks awesome, Sunny! You must be the master at forts!" Codie steps into said fort. "It looks big enough to fit you guys, too!"

Sun smiles wide, teetering back and forth. "Yup yup yup! I sure am! Used to make so many forts with the children!" He bends down and plugs something into the nearby outlet. Moon chortles as they hear the ginger gasp again.

"You put fairy lights in here?!" Codie flops down, rolling herself in a blanket. She never wants to leave! It's so cozy and warm! Sun crawls in after her. Moon bends down to peer into the entrance. His brother really outdid himself.

Moon then clicks his tongue, grabbing the human's attention. He hands her the TV remote and then goes to the kitchen to pop popcorn. "Ohhhh, we're watching Shrek, right?" Codie grins up at Sun.

Sunny hums, nodding twice and scooting himself back against the wall. He stares at Codie while she puts the movie on, leaning forward to point the remote at the sensor. He flexes his hands. Everything in him is telling him to grab her by the waist and hold her against him in his lap.

He looks down at himself. Would she be comfortable, though? He knows his silicon skin is soft, but the two bots aren't very thick. Sometimes the children would complain if they sat on his lap for too long. While her back is still towards him, Sun's eyes move to her curly hair.

Fiery red locks that cascade to her shoulder almost beckon him, and all he wants to do is run his fingers through each and every strand. He wishes it was longer so he could braid it, too. Would her hair be soft? Would it smell just like her? He loves how she smells but only gets short whiffs of it when she walks by him.

Lavender and strawberries.

He starts growing nervous each second he's alone with her in the fort. She kneels by the entrance unaware of his internal dilemma as she finally finds Shrek and presses play. Sun grins and pats the seat next to him but Codie doesn't turn around, instead, she moves and gets out, standing up to get Moon.

Sun huffs, crossing his arms and feeling embarrassed.

"Come on slow poke! It doesn't take long to pop the corn!" She giggles when Moon pouts at her.

"It does when you cook it to perfection and then add special flavors." He grins and holds up Codie's favorite: Kernel Season's Nacho Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning.

"Yum!" She runs up and grabs the giant bowl from his hands before rushing back to the fortress. She settles next to Sun while Moon crawls in after her, sandwiching the girl between the two. She hits play. "Ready for the greatest movie of the early two-thousands?"

Both jesters nod at the same time, lying back and stretching their legs out.

~~~~~~~

When the three finish the first Shrek, Sun immediately begs for the next one as soon as Codie mentions the many sequels. Codie laughs, going to put it on. "I told you it was good! What'd you two like the best?"

Before Moon can speak, Sun almost ruins the roof by raising his hand. "Oh, oh! I just loved the altar scene! It was so heart-wrenching and beautiful!" he sniffs.

Moon rolls his eyes. Always the sap, Sun is. Moon's wires definitely did not clench at that scene. "I liked the scene where Fiona attacked all those men while Shrek and Donkey were incapacitated." Codie giggles, she loves that scene, too.

"Mm," she swallows her bite of pizza, "do you guys want any more? I'll have to put the rest away." Moon shrugs. Might as well, it's a party. He grabs another slice and finishes it in a couple bites.

"It's starting!" Sun points out while the two are occupied with the greasy delights.

"We need ice cream!" Codie declares, pausing the film. She goes to crawl out but Sun stops her.

"No no no, Sunbite! You've had so much greasy and buttery foods! You'll give yourself a stomach ache!" he tsks, waggling his finger.

"But!" Codie pouts, debating on if it's worth it now. She huffs, crossing her arms and looking away. There's something she wants to say as a sassy comeback but she can't get herself to say it!

Sun and Moon share a look, both cooing at the look on her face, not knowing the (overly dramatic) emotional turmoil she's going through. If she did say what she wanted and the boys don't find it as funny or cute as she would hope, she'd simply pass away and that's not a chance she's taking.

So she relents and plops herself back in her spot, pressing play once more. Moon ruffles her hair with a chuckle.

~~~~~~~~~~

The second movie ends and Codie begs them to continue. "You're looking pretty tired there, Stardrop..." Moon frowns, eyeing her droopy eyelids. They both scan her and find her to be fatigued.

"Please please please! Last one! Shrek the Third is good!" Sun pats her shoulder so she turns to plead at him next.

"I don't doubt that but..." She gives him her widest, cutest, puppy eyes. "O-okay, just one more movie..." he sighs, giving in. Codie squeals, starting the next one.

"Pushover." Moon teases. He's just glad Codie didn't give him the eyes. He really wants her to sleep, though.

"Hush, you! You can tuck her in and kiss her goodnight after!" Sun quips back. Moon blushes. He doesn't do that...

It's only 15 minutes in when Codie snores softly, her head resting on Sunny's leg. "She didn't last very long, did she?" Sun chuckles, hovering his hand above her head.

"I figured as much. Her scan showed how tired she was." He looks up and sees his hand. "Just do it, you know you want to." Encouraged, Sun giddily pets her hair, running his hand down her head many times. It's as soft as he imagined! He could do this all night! Moon smiles, rolling his eyes. "Got your cord?"

"Mhm!" He grabs it from behind him, plugging himself in. Moon hands his to him and he plugs his brother in. "Night, Moonie!" Sun whispers, continuing his brushing on Codie's head.

Moon lies down and closes his eyes. "Night, Sunny."

Shorter, fluffier chapter :)