Ugh.... these are just filler chapters and I hate them... sorry but this one is really short cause nothing is going on but a little more excitement will happen next chapter. I hope you enjoy, sorry again its pretty short. At least for my standards.

~Maddy

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After the two left Red put the picture on the fridge, tacking it with a small little magnet. He smiled at it before he heard the bedroom door open and Apple came walking out.

"Apple?" He said, looking around.

Red smiled. "Its okay, they're gone." He said as he walked over to the counter his bag still laying on it. "But come here I have something for you." He said as he fished around the bag. Apple came waddling up to the ginger, confused.

Red smiled as he pulled out the little top hat he bought at the rest stop. He then bent down and placed it upon his partners head. He smiled as Apple reached up to touch it, a smile forming on his face. "Apple!" He said happily, running over and hugging Reds arm.

The male smiled and rubbed the red skin of the fruit, saying a thanks. "Okay, its" Red glanced at the clock. "Twelve in the afternoon and I have a job to apply for." Red said happily as he stood up.

"Apple?" He said sadly, looking up at the ginger. Red sighed and smiled at him.

"Heather offered me a job at the place she works, so I'm gonna try." He grabbed his bag and placed it on the small table in the tiny dining area. "While I'm gone we can practice safety procedures." He said as he pulled out the loaded gun from his bag.

Apple looked up at it in wonder. "If someone breaks in then you shoot them . . . in the head. Got it?" He asked, Apple nodded. "I will knock three  times on the door, understand?"

"Th-three!" Apple said happily.

"Now, if someone knocks you go to the bedroom with the gun. The gun in only for protection." He stated clearly. Apple nodded and took the gun from Reds outstretched hand. "Now I got to go, be safe, dont burn this place down."

Apple nodded as the ginger headed towards the door. He flashed him a smile before leaving and locking the door behind him.

~~~⭕~~~

"B-Barney." The static rang through the room. The male scrambled to pick up the device from his bedside table. He pressed the button on the side of the box. "Yeah Squid?" He asked, waiting.

A few seconds later the voice rang through. "I think I have a small lead on where Red is." He said, surprisingly not cutting out.

"Well?" Barney asked, worried that Red was hurt or worse.

"I f-feel like he's th-three cities o-over." He said, his voice wavering.

Barney sighed in defeat. "Thank you, let me know if you fine him."

"Of course, you do l-love him after all." Barney growled softly, he could practically hear the smirk on his face.

"Love is a strong word." He said harshly into the device.

"Yeah, b-but its the right word t-to use." Barney sighed, knowing that the male was right.

He heard Squid hum with laughter, knowing he won. Barney let the conversion drop there as he placed the walkie talkie back on the night stand. He laid down on his bed and covered his face with his hands, thoughts bouncing around in his mind.

Red acting like he didn't like the pirate-looking male, affected his emotions toward the ginger. He thought he loved him but Red yelling at him to stay out of his life hurt him. The colors weren't helping either, all of them sending off mixed signals.

Barney was unsure of what he felt but all he knew was that Red was something special.

~~~⭕~~~

Three knocks filled the apartment and Red soon unlocked it. "Apple!" His partner yelled, running up to the male. He smiled and closed the door, picking Apple up. His tail fell out of his jacket, swinging slightly near his ankles.

"How are you doing?" Apple nodded and snuggled into Reds hold. He smiled and let out a small laugh. "Well I have a new job now!" He said happily.

"Yay!" Apple said, clapping his little hands. The ginger smiled and put him down.

"Yeah, now I work at a nearby Walmart. Nothing fancy or something to be proud of but its something." He said smiling. A wave of happiness washed over him as he realized what he's accomplished so far. Suddenly he felt darkness cover his vision.

"Apple?" The small fruit said as he watched Red collapse to the floor suddenly. "Apple!?" He said running over to his friend. He watched as the red tail started to change color as well as his clothes.

Soon the male stirred up once more, a little confused. "Red?" Apple asked.

The yellow male then looked at Apple and his face lit up. "Oh! Hey Apple!"

"Apple?" The partner asked, confused.

"Its okay friend, I'm just Red but a way happier Red!" he said bounding up off the floor happily.

Apple looked the male up and down, really unsure about him, knowing that his won't end well.