Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sprout and Cosmo were in the warehouse, cleaning out some old stuff and in search of supplies. Sure, for whatever reason all their ingredients and food kept magically replenishing, but it gets kinda boring cooking the same thing every day. 

Luckily, there was a lot of good stuff back here! Anything from veggies to fruit that somehow hadn't rotted yet! They could make all kinds of new recipes wirh these!

"Hey, Cos! Look what I found?" Sprout held up a random basket of the reddest, shiniest, sweetest looking apples he'd ever seen!

"Oh!.. those would be perfect for that apple pie I've been wanting to make!..."He took the basket and smiled. Sprouts handler had been allergic to apples, so until now, they hadn't had access to any.

"Let's bring this stuff back up, then maybe take a break for a bit, I'm ready for a nap." Sprout said with a slight chuckle as he stretched. Cosmo nodded, "Sounds good!..." and the two went up the elevator.

Glisten had gotten up later than normal today. He had quickly gotten dressed and did his twelve step self care routine before going out on a jog around the building. Completely forgetting to eat breakfast.

He began feeling dizzy right as he made it to the kitchen, where Cosmo and Sprout seemed to be baking. Cinnamon and sugar wafers through the air. Glisten paused to catch his breath, just for a second though, before straightening up and greeting the two.

"Ah, my favourite baking duo! How are you both today?" He asked as he leaned on the counter, totally not for support. 

Cosmo hummed curiously and turned to him. "Oh, Glisten! I think we're doing pretty okay!.. we're just testing out making an apple pie, I... hope it comes out alright." 

"Cosmo, you're literally the main one baking it, it's gonna be great." Sprout reassured, before taking in the state of Glisten. "You don't look so great." He commented bluntly.

Glisten sputtered a bit before scoffing. "Me? I'm perfect, as always! Just taking a quick rest before I finish up my morning jog!"

"It's... three in the afternoon?" Cosmo mumbled. 

"HAha! I knew that, that was another test!" He quickly defended. His eyes then drifted to a basket on the counter, filled up with apples, before his stomach grumbled. Sprout snorted, "Did you forget to eat breakfast again?"

"That implies I forget, which I don't! And no, I just want a light snack, thats all!" He said as he swiped up a rather juicy looking apple, cleaning it off with his ribbon tail. 

"Don't you wanna wait till the pie is done? I mean... after we taste test, of course." The cake swirl said with a playful tone, and Glisten chuckled humourlessly.

"You know I'm on a diet, this apple is plenty!" The mirror took a rather large yet graceful bite, a sweet yet slightly tart taste filled his mouth. He hummed in satisfaction, "See? Just as good as pie!"

"That's a concerning sentence, Glisten." Sprout deadpanned as he began cleaning the counter.

Glisten just rolled his eyes, and took another bite. A slight dizziness coming back to him. "Me? Concerning? Never."

"Surrreeee... uh, Glisten?" Sprouts brows furrowed. 

"Hm?" The mirror slurred out.

"You're tilting." The strawberry stated as he put his rag down. Glisten shook his head and straightened up, his vision getting fuzzy. "No I'm... I'm not!" 

Cosmo, who was taking the pie out, quickly put it down and turned off the oven. "Sprout's right, you really don't look good... I think you should sit down..." 

"I'm—" He choked up, "—fine!" Glisten gasped, before his legs gave out.

"Glisten! Shit!-" Sprout was just close enough to catch him. As the apple rolled out of Glisten's hand, it melted into some sort of ichory-apple mush. Cosmo's pupils shrunk in shock, running over to the two. "W-What was in those apples!?" 

"I don't know, fuck, go get Ginger!" He cursed. He needed all the healers, now. He had no idea what just happened, but Glisten was unconscious and that 'apple' looked straight up deadly now.

Cosmo was already off before Sprout could finish.

They had each tried healing him. But nothing happened. Sprout even turned him on his side and tried to induce vomiting, and unfortunately it was a mess for nothing. Tisha had heard the gagging from a mile away and zoomed in, once seeing the scene, she kind of freaked out, and Teagan and Shelly had followed her since she ran out of their tea party.

After a brief explanation, Tisha nodded with determination and got to cleaning up the mess. Then they brought him to Astro's room, hoping maybe the dream inclined toon could fix this.

Unfortunately, he had no answers.

They ended up laying Glisten on his bed. Firstly, Astro tried awaking him up, using his stamina ability... nothing. 

"...I'm sorry... he's... in a deep, deep sleep..." Astro whispered. Vee had come into the room at some point, and looked sick to her stomach seeing Glisten—And almost looked ready to accuse Sprout out of this mess, before Astro put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. 

"So... now what?" Sprout asked with a stressed expression. Cosmo and Ginger had gone to throw out the pie, and every other fruit they had gotten from the warehouse earlier. 

"I.. don't know." Astro admitted. "...You said this happened after he ate an... apple?" 

Sprout nodded. "...Yeah, he just... conked out on us."

Vee scoffed, "So you're claiming the plot of Snow White as your excuse?" She said with agitation. 

"Excuse? Why are you so set on this being intentional?" He hissed out.

"...Wait." Astro''s eye widened. "...The fairy tale episode." He mumbled. Both Sprout and Vee'Vee's bickering halted.

"The... what?" Sprout looked confused as Vee was.

"Uhm... it was an episode we never aired... I was supposed to be... Sleeping Beauty, Gigi was Cinderella... and Teagan was going to play Snow White... and uhm... they had some 'special props' we were gonna use... but then it got canceled." 

Vee and Sprout blink in unison.

"...That's stupid." Vee spoke first.

"...that's probably why it was canceled..." Astro looked over at the sleeping Glisten. "...I don't know what really happened behind the scenes... but... maybe those apples were part of the props... maybe they were... really posioned..." He quietly mumbled the last part out. Vee looked properly mad and Sprout wasn't fairing to well either.

"So... how do we reverse this?" The strawberry spoke up. 

"...I'm sorry, I don't know... maybe... true loves kiss? L-Like the story?..." 

"Ah, haha, good luck with that bullshit." Vee spat. "Glisten doesn't have a true love besides himself, so let's focus on actual facts and figure out a cure, hm?" Her words were almost biting towards Glisten, but her snark was more so covering up confusion and fear for her best friend. 

A kiss, cure literal posion? What kind of drugs was he smoking? 

"Okay, okay... let's just..." Astro looked towards Glisten again. "....move him somewhere else."

The news spread like wildfire.

Minus the fact everyone saw him as an ego maniac, Glisten was undoubtedly well liked by majority of the toons. Plus the scare of being poisoned had everyone on their toes. 

And then there was Rodger.

Teagan had been the one to break the news to him. Setting down on his bed and taking his hands, gently explaining what had happened to Glisten. She... was aware of how close the two grew, and didn't want him to fund out by surprise. 

Rodger took it silently. Before he got up, and asked, "Take me to him... please."

Teagan knew denying his request was unwise, and lead him to Glistens room, where the mirror seemed to be peacefully sleeping on his back, with the covers pulled over him. Someone had put a extra pillow (or two) behind him, keeping him slightly propped up. 

Vee and Boxten were both in the room. Vee's screen showed her searching up various things like 'Posions' 'Sleep Posion' 'Sleep cure' and so on. While Boxten simply sat in the corner, and watched him.

Rodger immediately started making mental notes. Observing, anything. Worry crept up on him, but he refused to show it. 

"Are you alright, dear?" Teagan asked, her southern accent softening. 

"I'll be fine... my concern is elsewhere"

Teagan nodded solemnly. "He's only been out for a few hours, this could just be a temporary slumber."

Rodger hummed. "Do you have any clue on we could remedy this? You were suppose to be a lead in the episode, after all..." Rodger was one of the few that had known of the episode's planned existence. Even if he was never cast in it, he had his ways. 

Teagan felt a pang in her heart. Oh, how they wished they could provide insight. But she never got to the Snow White thing before it was canceled on them.

"I don't, I'm sorry, darling... we can just hope for now." 

Hope he'll be okay.

Rodger nodded quietly, before taking his leave. He'd waste no time gazing at him. He could make up for lost quality time when he was awake again—Which he would be. Rodger was determined. 

Chapter Text

The next day, things went mostly the same. Few routines were deeply disrupted, but everyone was definitely on edge after what had happened. 

Astro consistently monitored Glisten's sleep. Checking into his dreams (nothing so far...) and keeping in mind how deeply he was trapped in his own unconsciousness. Concerningly, it seemed to have gradually gotten deeper since yesterday. Any chance of waking him up normally was lost.

Eariler that day, Yatta, Blot and Looey came in banging pots and pans. Attempting to get a rise out of the mirror. Unfortunately, he remained still.

Ginger brought out the smelling salts, well... not really smelling salts, but a blend of the strongest spices she had,  especially peppermint extract. And once more, the efforts of the toons weren't rewarded.

Brightney tried shining her light in his face.

Still no improvement. 

Sprout and Cosmo checked in every few hours. Cosmo having had prepared a broth in an attempt to get something into Glisten, he still needed to eat and hydrate. 

It wasn't as successful as he would've hoped... but he did manage to get his body to take a few sips. Unfortunately, they had no access to anything like IVs or feeding tubes, not that it was necessarily needed yet, or still would've been good to have...

Vee refused to leave the room. Remaining plugged up, her engines working overdrive in seek of a cure. Brightney had to actually unplug her for a bit (which she was NOT happy about) and drag her away to atleast try to rest. She hadn't (AKA refused) entered recharge mode since Glisten went under.

Teagan also kept her eye on Glisten. But moreso was watching Toodles that day, as Rodger was far too distracted by his own researching to parent properly. 

The day dragged on, hobbies and chatter continued, and visits were paid to the sleeping mirror.

. . . 

Then that night, Dinner felt oddly quiet. Nobody was being particularly closed off, per say, but it was obvious something was missing. 

The conversations felt a little off, the room a little less lively.

It was sad, yes. But at first, only few of the toons were really... distressed over it. But the lack of banter between Glisten and Vee, or the several egotistical but light hearted remarks ended up bringing the mood down more than they had thought.

They were all kind of like a family, and a member was missing.

Vee didn't come to dinner. Rodger only came due to the pestering of Toodles and Teagan, however he dismissed himself early. Just about all the toons left eariler than normal, save for maybe Scraps and Goob, keeping themselves busy after dinner with colouring.

Hours had turned into days.

There had still been a sliver hope the effects would wear off on its own. That Glisten would rise from his apple induced slumber and greet the morning with a smile.

But eventually Astro had to share his observations, when Glisten wasn't making any improvement. He told those who were curious that, the sleep was deep, and only getting deeper. No dreams could he watch, nor did the mirror stir even once. 

Rodger was already digging into every file he owned, but especially the ones he'd collected on the ichor operations, and the things the humans were doing. 

Episode scripts were few and far between. And one of the many he lacked just happen to be this fairytale one. 

He brought out his notepad and listed down toons he needed to hear from. Teagan, Astro, Gigi, Razzle and Dazzle were apparently supposed to be the beast in Beauty and the Beast, and Flutter was supposed to be the beauty. But that's about where the list ended, so he got to interrogation. 

And nothing.

He already knew Vee and Astro were both spending a lot of time in Glisten's room, so it'd be just about impossible to attempt to question the moon, since the television would undoubtedly block him off.

And he had already talked to Teagan, and she had no new insight, or memory jogged.

Razzle and Dazzle had no clue what he was even talking about, and Flutter was too caught up with Gigi to cooperate. 

So in short.

This was pissing him off. 

So then it was time to go on a run, and hopefully uncover some more files—And... as...

As much as he didn't want to...

He was gonna bring Toodles.

The kid had been curious on where Glisten went, why she wasn't allowed to see him, and why Teagan was babysitting her so much. Rodger, as much as he believed in honesty, especially to children—didn't have the heart to tell her.

Teagan told her that Glisten was sick. And she'd get sick if he saw him, he needed rest. But Toodles was getting progressively more upset about it, and the only way he could figure out how to ease her was to bring her on a run with him, something she loved but didn't get to do often. Perhaps let her help look. He didn't have to tell her everything, just enough to keep her worries low and keep her safe on the run.

So that night, he packed up a bag, along with her backpack, and explained to her the plan.

"Remember not to go to far away, alright? I don't want you getting hurt by those things, are we clear?" He asked while zipping up her backpack.

"Mhm! I got it, Rodger!"  She exclaimed. 

"Alright, we've got to move then. We're just looking for some files to help Glisten, so if you find anything, get me. I should be close regardless."

"Rodddgerrrr!" She whined, pulling on his hand. "You said we gotta be quick! Come onnnn!" 

He couldn't help it, her innocent complaints lightened his mood. "And quiet, if I recall... but you're right, let's go." 

Rodger let the way out of Toodle's room, her hand holding his. He crept through the hallway, pausing briefly to glance at Glisten's shut door. It was likely Vee was still in there, she'd taken a liking to staying by his side even at nightfall.

Sighing, the detective continues. 

The two made their way to the elevators. He went to the right one, and was about to push the open button, when a loud rumble came from the elevator behind the two.

His head whipped around, to see a green body with a jumper cable in hand, the other hand having pushed the open button, freezing as he spotted her.

...

"Rodgers." Vee commented.

"Vee." Rodger replied coldly.

"Toodles!" The little one threw her hands in the air, and Vee's expression turned awkward.

"...Yes, Toodles too. Hello little one." Vee nodded to her. 

"It's... admittedly unexpected to see you away from Glisten, or... here at all." The magnifying glass commented.

"I could say the same for you, detective." Her arms crossed, looking him up and down. "Bringing a child with you?"

"Hmph, she's plenty capable. We'll only be down a few minutes, anyways."

"Please," Vee sneered. "No run takes a few minutes, a single floor takes approximately five minutes, thirty two seconds until floors five to six, in which case the time increases to-" 

"I'm well aware, thank you." Rodger rubbed his eye.

"Regardless, I can do this myself, so go back to your prying or, whatever you do." The TV shoo'd him with her hand.

"Absolutely not." He stepped closer. "I have just as much, no, more business being here as you. Perhaps you should go elsewhere." 

Toodles stroked her chin with a thoughtful expression, before piping up.

"Oh! What if we all go!" 

"Toodles, no-"

"Toodles yes." Vee smirked. Walking over to the kid and patting her head. "Why don't we all go down, hm? It'd be logical to have me on your team, detective."

Rodger would've clenched his teeth if he had any, his fists curled into balls. Stupid... correct television.

"...Fine." 

"Yay!" Toodles ran into the elevator first. Vee crossed her arms and storde in with confidence, "That would be an appropriate reaction, Toodles, you're such a smart kid. Have you ever considered being on a gameshow?" She said with satisfaction. Rodger's hands were held behind his back as he joined in. He stood between Toodles and Vee as the door shut, and their descent began.

The TV and eight ball began chattering about Vee's show, trivia, and unfortunately, Toodles seemed to be having a blast.

The first dozen floors was uneventful. 

The first few were easy, extremely. Four machines, three extractors, and only two twisted wandering around to worry about. Rodger couldn't help but let his curiosity bite a little, writing down his findings on each one if he could. 

Then things started getting a bit harder after floor six, but nothing big. He kept Toodles in eye sight and Vee out. She was plenty capable of handling herself.

Around floor thirteen was when they opened to the abandoned version of their warehouse. A dreadful flicker could be faintly heard, and suddenly it was a blackout.

"EEK!" Toodles grabbed onto Rodger's coat for comfort, her dog plush held dearly. 

"Do not wonder off this floor, stay by my side..." Rodger instructed. Vee tapped her mic, and outlines of a Brightney, Poppy and Yatta were made visible. 

"Hm, I see no reason to stall." Vee stepped out and began making her way to the first machine. Rodger led Toodles away in search of the others.

Luckily, two machines had generated side by side. How that work, he was unaware. This was some sort of bullshit pocket dimension that both infuriated and fascinated him.

The two began spinning the valves. Ichor flooding into the tube's. Rodger kept his eye peeled, ready to flee at any moment-

ERRR!

Toodles too her hands off the machine, having failed a skill check. "Oops!" She looked looked up at him with a guilty expression—She didn't mean to do that! Rodger jumped off his machine as he heard the Yatta spot them. 

"Go, go!" He grabbed her arm and started running in the opposite direction, stamina quickly being drained. 

He knew his stealth was lower than hers, she'd be okay as long as they got out of sight. But the damn Yatta continues her pursuit on them both.

"EEEEEK!! Oh! Lucky me!!" Toodles suddenly had a yellow glow to her, and was now the one pulling Rodger. She cut a corner with her new found speed. And the Yatta finally left them alone. 

Rodger breathed out a sigh of relief. Looking down at her, he tended to forget her nifty little ability. 

"...Well done, Toodles. You've seemed to have saved us." He looked up. And noticed the two were now by some shelves tucked away in the corner. 

"Yippie! I did it! I did it!- wha'cha looking at?" Her head tilted as he brought out his flashlight. Filing through the papers and folders in boxes. They were labeled with 'EP' which, he could only suspect (hope) meant episode. 

"I'm currently searching for something to help our... friend, remember?"

"Oh yeah! Glisten! I cant wait to see him again!" She happily spoke.

Me too... He thought vaguely to himself.

He continues to shuffle through them for a bit, taking a few unrelated ones for research on his own time. Toodles got a bit bored, and sat on the ground by him, playing pretend with her doggy.

As he pulled out a folder, reading it's front. His eye widened.

"Marvelous, I think we may have a breakthrough-"

The loud rumble of the elevator door opening caused them both to startle. Damnit, Vee! She must've been finishing the machines while they ran for their lives! 

"Come on now, we have what we need." He let Toodles run ahead, following just behind her.

The two narrowly dodged an enraged Poppy, before scurrying into the elevator as the door slammed down.

"Huh, I'm surprised you actually made it back." She said to Rodger, who panted softly. "Not you though, you're more clever than the monocle." She said with a half smile to Toodles, who happily spun at the praise. 

"I am a magnifying glass!" Rodger exclaimed. "And I have no time for your insults, I found what I needed."

Vee's 'breathing' hitched, and her eyes narrowed. "Give it to me."

"Absolutely not. You could easily damage such fragile documents!"

Her tail whipped at the ground, and she scrawled. "There's no more time to play investigator, give it to me so I can fix this!" 

"You mean make Glisten better?" Toodles beamed. The adults paused, Vee's digital face scrunched up.

"Yes, and your moronic father is making it harder." 

"You are careless with your robotic appendages, and I'd be a fool to trust your hands."

"Just hold it and you both read it!" Toodles huffed. "You guys are acting like babies!" Her hands were planted on her hips, mimicking the pose Teagan would often do while scolding Rodger for overworking. 

Both adults blinked. They turned away from each other.

"Well... I suppose that would be a solution..."

"Hmph, fine, but only so I don't have to claw it out of your grubby hands." Vee harshly spoke. Grumbling, Rodger opened the file. It was in a box of scrapped scripts, and labeled 'Dandy's Fabels and Fairytales.'

"Sooo... are we going home yet? I'm bored." Toodles asked, Rodger hummed dismissively as the two looking over it's pages, he swatted Vee's hand as she tried to turn ii. "Yes yes, you can push the button."

"Yay!" Toodles loved pushing buttons! Now happy, she pushed to 'up' button on the elevator. And it began to elevate to their original floor. 

Both the magnifying glass and television paused as they got to the next part. Eyes widening cartoonishly as Vee spoke.

"You can not be serious..." 

Chapter Text

Astro walked into Glisten room, his stars carrying a book he planned to read as he kept watch. It was becoming more important someone was monitoring Glisten as his body was failing to keep up. 

The moon had expected to see Vee in the room, as she'd made herself quite at home there. Not that he... really blamed her, he was more aware than most on how close Glisten and Vee were. The two occasionally had dreams involving ine and another.

Lately though, neither had been dreaming. For Vee, it's because she refused to let herself go recharge long enough. And for Glisten, whatever the posion was must've been keeping him from having any.

Or, that's what he had thought. Past tense there.

As Astro settled in, and took a moment to connect himself to Glistens state, he felt the familiar tingle of a toon having dream. His eye shifted to Glisten's face, his expression curious.

"...What's going on in there?" He mumbled. Leaning back into the beanbag chair he'd sat himself in, he focused on viewing the activity in Glistens brain.

His stars twinkle gently as they put his book down. And his mind began gazing into Glisten's.

The scene was something the toons rarely got to see—Outside. 

Specifically, in the woods, with a cottage. Lush greenery and flowers were in the surrounding area. Birds flying above the trees while deer and bunnies and other critters wander around. It seemed... peaceful, much more peaceful than most dreams he'd seen come from the mirror toon.

As the oak door to the little home opened, six shorter than normal figures and a dog looking one began funneling out, pickaxes carried on their shoulders—Save for the animal, whose pickaxe was secured onto his back with a pink ribbon. Each one wore a tunic and leather shoes in their respective colours.

Astro, Bassie, Bobette, Pebble, Sprout, Shelly and Vee it seemed, all in a single file as they went off. 

It's always odd seeing myself in dreams...

From the doorway, Glisten waved them goodbye—He wore an old, dusty pink dress covered in soot and and patches such. His bow a light gray. "Goodbye! Goodbye! Be back in time for supper, i won't even excuse you being fashionably late!" He said as he waved. 

"Bye!" "Bye Glisten! "We'll be back!" And a few other phrases could be heard as the mains disappeared into the trees. Leaving the mirror by himself.

He sighed, leaning on the doorway, he dramatic threw his arm on his forehead. "Oh, I suppose I'm by myself,  again!" 

Seemed normal enough... Astro thought as he watched.

A few birds came and landed on the porch. Glisten peeked an eye open, and smiled at them. "Oh, hello there little birdies! Came to see perfect little 'ol me?" He asked as he reached an arm down, a bird fluttered onto his out stretched finger, and he giggled. Vocalizing to the birds.

"La la la la la!~" His voice echoed through the dense woods, as he twirled and walked onto the grass, finding a tree to lean against. "Oh birdie! How I wish I wasn't so alone. I have you, and I have the dwarfs, but oh, it's simply not enough! I need someone who loves me!" He complained to the small creature. 

Interesting... he often dreamed about love... never has anyone specific in mind though...

He sighed, and stood back up, letting the bird fly off. "I suppose I should start on supper, then. Or they'll be back before I can get anything done!..."

His tone held some anxiety. And that always concerned Astro a bit. Then again, almost all his dreams recently did- well, when he was normal sleeping... So it was nice this was fairly tame, seemingly just a fairytale one...

Wait... if he's Snow White...

Some rustling could be heard from a bush the dream decided was important enough to exist now, and Glisten paused, turning to it. "Hello?" 

Out came a much older looking Teagan, hunched over with a dark gold cloak covering most of her, a closed basket in hand. "Ah, pardon me, dearie... I simply just heard your cries, and had to come see."

Glisten blinked, before his theatrics continued. "Oh, it's just awful! I'm so alone, madam! No soul to love me!" 

She smiled softly. Reaching into her basket, she held out a shiny red apple. "Perhaps I could be of help, dearie? A Wishing Apple might just be what you need." 

A... wishing apple. 

"A wishing apple?" Glisten peered at it curiously, leaning closer to it.

"Oh yes, dear, a Wishing Apple! Just one bite, and your hearts greatest desire comes true!" She promised. Glisten's eyes widened, enamored by the concept. His bow fluttering with excitement his face didn't show. 

"A-Are you sure?" Vulnerability leaked into his tone.

"Oh, of course, my dear! Go on, take a bite!" 

Oh... Astro realized where's this was going.

Glisten was reliving a glamouruzed version of his poisoning, it seemed.

Glisten gulped, and sunk his teeth into the fruit. Black began pooling from where he bit into it, dripping down his hand as he swallowed, and gasped, dropping the apple, it rotted infront of his eyes. 

"W-What's going on!?" Fear laced his voice as he began to feel like his throat was closing. He gasped for air, stumbling back as Teagan cackled. The beautiful blue sky turned a blood red, the gorgeous nature dying and faltering, turning black and brown as animals fled or turned to dust. 

"Oh! You poor, nieve soul! Did you really think you, of all toons deserved such a gift!?" She loomed over him. Glisten crawled back, gagging as he was barely able to prop himself up on his elbow, looking up at her with a terrified expression.

W-What? This isn't how it's supposed to go...! 

Teagan grabbed his chin and forced his eyes to meet her. "Only true loves kiss could save you now, dearie. Fortunately no soul is cursed to be your saviour." She dropped him as tears streamed down his face, it hurt. It hurt to watch this happen.

Suddenly the 'dwarfs' were back. Doing a sort of ring around the Rosie around Glisten as their voices echoed. 

"You'll never be loved, you'll never be kissed, it's your destiny to die!"

E-Enough! Stop! 

"Ahahahaha!" Teagan laughed at Glisten misery. As the ground rumbled, it started splitting open and began to swallow him. Another figure, too blotchy and dark to make out, loomed over him as the ground closed.

"I'll never love you..." 

ENOUGH....!

Astro used his magic to rip himself out of Glisten's mind. He panted softly and shook his head, gathering his bearings as he returned to reality. 

"...I've never seen one that bad happen to you before..." He mumbled as he got up, slowly shuffling over to Glisten. His face remained unchanged, no physical indicators of the mental torment he faced. 

Looking left and right, double checking to make sure the door was shut and he was alone, he hesitantly allowed his four arms to be free of his blanket for a moment. Summoning small stars that spun around Glisten's head.

"...Rest now... good dreams will come for you instead... no more nightmare... put the nightmare to bed..." He chanted in a whisper, his eye closed as he tried to relieve Glisten's mind.

After a minute, he felt yet another tingle of a dream starting, and his eyes opened once more. Even so slightly, the mirror's resting face softened.

He sighed with relief, his arms going back into the safety of the soft cloth. He felt quite drained, viewing dreams and chasing away nightmares really took it out of him, he'd appreciate a good nap right about now...

But. He just... needed to see what awaited Glisten's mind instead of night terrors. He didn't know if Glisten would even remember this dream, or if he'd dream again once this one ended, but he felt the need to assure it ended on a happy note.

"One more time..." He assured himself, allowing his mind to return to Glisten's.

The scene was in an opening in the woods. The sun gently beamed onto a glass casket, causing it to appear as if glittering. Surrounding it, was the mains as the dwarfs. They had their heads turned down, and Pebble whined softly as he nudged the casket with his nose.

"I'm sorry, I don't know if he'll wake up...." The dream Astro spoke softly to the dog. The Pebble whimpered sadly. 

Unfortunately... that was truth in the real world, too... Astro thinks.

Inside the glass casing, laid Glisten. However he was not longer dressed in rags. His bow was a pinkish red, with two ribbon tails peeking out on either side of his resting body. He wore pearly white ballet flats, and a cornflower blue sweetheart top with poofy sleeves—The garment also glittered, especially while reflecting the sun.

His hands, which had long, elegant white gloves, rested neatly on his chest. His golden frame was lighter, shinier too. With golden eyeshadow instead of blush. 

He rested peacefully, breathing softly. Unaware of those mourning him.

I'm... not sure if this is any better than his last dream...

A few woodland creatures were also in the surrounding area. Rabbits, foxes, deer and squirrels brought little leafs and sticks and such to the coffin. While the birds from eariler came to gently pecking at the glass. 

Suddenly, a soft consistent thumping began approaching, growing louder yet still... sounding soft. Dreamy, fittingly. The critters all ran off. 

The mains looked up, as a light blonde horse came into view. It's rider the same mysterious blotchy figure as eariler—But this time, it grew clearer and clearer as it approachs. Until Astro could make it- him out. 

...Oh. oh my....

Rodger, in a princely outfit with a crown on his head, rode closer to the casket. His deep gold boots hit the ground as he dismounted. Taking the reins of his horse, he lead it up to the glass as he stood over the sleeping Snow White.

"Glisten..." He breathed out softly. A hand gently laid on the casket door.

"Oh my..." The dream bassie whispered.

"It's the price!" Whisper yelled bobette back to her.

"Bworf!" Pebble yipped at him, getting his attention. He looked down at the shortertones, before getting on their level.

"Maybe he could help!" Bobbette mumbled, keeping a hopeful eye on him. 

"Open the casket, please..." He begged. The Vee stuck her tongue out at him and looked away. The Sprout and Shelly exchanged looks, before nodding. Stepping back, dream Astro used his stars to open the casket. 

Rodger nodded a thank you. Standing, he walked to the side and leaned over Glisten. He examined the mirror, his eye softening at his state.

"Please, allow me to wake you..." Rodger mumbled to himself, closing his eye before he leaned in, his hands rested on Glisten's shoulders as a soft clink could be heard.

...Oh my, again... 

A golden glow burned bright between the contact, fading into gentle sparkling as Rodger drew back from the kiss. And a moment after, Glisten yawned. Sitting up as his arms elegantly stretching like a rainbow before resting by his sides, his lashes batting as he awoke.

"O-Oh! Rodger!" He blushed. "Hahaa... d-did you?" He trailed off, hopeful.

Astro can safely guess the dream Rodger would've been smiling if he had a mouth. "I did, yes." 

Glisten giggled bashfully, covering his mouth with a gloves hand as he looked away. 

"Glisten," Rodger got down on one knee, pulling out a golden crown with an apple shape inside it. "Would you do the honours of returning to the palace with me?" He asked. Glisten softly gasped.

"Y-You want me to come to your palace? I mean, hehe..." He swung his legs over the casket, letting Rodger take his hand and help him down. "I am the perfect candidate!"  

Before his feet got to touch the grassy ground, the prince scooped him up bridal style, and carried him over to the horse. He hoisted Glisten onto the horse, the mirrors legs hung off one side. Rodger placed the crown onto his head.

Then climbing up himself to take the reins, the magnifying glass gave one last look to the seven mains, as Glisten waved goodbye to them all. He rode off into the sunset. As the dream began fading into nothingness. 

This time, Astro naturally guided his mind out of the dream, no longer lingering of fear and hatred.

Astro ended up taking a long, long nap right there in the bean bag chair after such exhaustion with his magic. 

He didn't feel a single dream tingle after that, and until Glisten woke up for real, he doubted he would.

Sometime during his sleep, a certain strawberry crept into the room. Along with a cake swirl, about to do their normal check in.

"Astro? Vee?-" Cosmo was cut off as Sprout put a hand on his shoulder, nodding to the passed out Astro.

"...Is, he okay?" Cosmo mumbled as he went over to the mirror's bedside, a bowl of broth in hand.

Sprout shrugged, grabbing an extra blanket someone had dragged in here and draping it onto Astro. "He's not normally this spawled out, guess he missed his normal nap time eariler?" 

Cosmo sighed, propping up Glisten to attempt another feeding. "If even Astro is losing sleep over this, I'm starting to think it's worse than we thought..." 

Sprout's brows furrowed as he stood to his full height again, glancing at Cosmo.

"...Let's just try to get him fed, okay?" 

Chapter Text

"True loves kiss!? That's what you think they went for as a cure!?" Vee paced back and fourth in her room, Brightney listening intently. 

"It does seem quite... fairy-telly, we actually read Snow White in book club the other week! Did you know the apple isn't the only time the Evil Queen tries to-"

"Seriously! You believe they couldn't have made an actual antidote!? That is utterly i-i-illogical!" Vee's voice box and screen glitches out with her fury. 

Brightney flinched back at her outburst. 

"...So is making actual posion apples? I'm not even sure what they were thinking, tampering with something that could hurt toons. But, surely they thought of a way to undo it?..." 

Vee huffed, and sat with her arms and legs crossed. "Well regardless. It was not properly disposed of, and now I am back to square one, I do not like this. Infact, I hate it."

The lamps face softened, and she rubbed Vee's arm comfortingly. "Hey, I know... it's rather stressful. I think maybe we should go read for a bit, it could help your systems cool?"

Vee looked the other way, "I don't have time to take a break. My calculations along side updates from Astro indicate Glisten's state is worsening, and the worsening is accelerating... I need a solution, now."

"And we will find one..." Brightney took Vee's chin and turned her towards her face. "But you can't run yourself into the ground, you won't be able to help if you're glitching out..."

Vee's digital lips pursed. 

"...I'll be fine, my systems can and will take it."

Rodger scanned over the material again, and again.

The apple modification is a failure, alas, I tried. This was a waste of resources, but not my time. I can use this knowledge for further opportunities. Until then, I'll dispose of these. The paragraph read.

It was entirely foolish. 

There was absolutely no way they went through the effort to create a literal posion to toons for an episode. Why not have them just act the part as always? This had to be part of a bigger picture. Especially with the implications of using this sort of chemistry elsewhere. 

His working theory, is since toons can't be starved, frozen, overheated (most of them anyways) and other ways of death, besides blunging, they needed a way to... dispose of them.

And what better way than a story as deadly as a Grimm fairy tale?

Perhaps that episode plot was a cover too... he remembers there being some criticisms to the toons that so happen to have been planned to be in the episode. 

Teagan was criticized by parents for bring too 'Sexy' looking. 

Gigi was a nightmare for staff to control. 

Razzle and Dazzle were a mistake to begin with, he saw their concept art—They we meant to be two separate toons.

And Astro... seemed to be too shy of a 'character' to really engage with the children. (Of course, upper management only saw them as props as opposed to people.)

Not to mention he could just tell Glisten was getting worse... the mirror began running a fever the other day. His keen eye observed every little change for the worse. 

He was on a deadline, but didn't know the date. And that scared him.

He groaned, leaning over his desk with his head rested in his hands. He was utterly exhausted, and worrying out of his mind. Because he was undoubtedly attached to the mirror... he knows the healers have been trying to help, giving medicine and well, healing to the unconscious toon, and Astro's attempts to wake him weren't unnoticed, simply fruitless. 

Rodger himself was theorizing how to concoct an antidote. Putting any clues together and providing them to Shelly, Boxten and Brightney. Surely, he thought, Gardenviews most brilliant brains could come up with something, yes?

And yet, they provided nothing.

While thinking of those toons, his mind wandered back to a theory Brightney had. True loves kiss. As she put it.

It seemed ridiculous to him, especially with the evidence supporting the idea the entire fairytale plot was an attempted murder.

But also, from his knowledge. Glisten simply... wasn't interested in anyone. 

Not like how Rodger was interested in him.

A small, tiny part of him indulged in the idea. Of being the so called prince, of waking Glisten up because the mirror felt the same way. What a foolish man he must be, to even entertain such obserdity.

He needs to get back to reality. 

He came to visit Glisten again. He's been doing it less and less as he threw himself deeper into his work as Glisten's condition only worsened. 

As he stepped into the room, he half shut the door, not quite paying attention to anything but the body in the bed. 

His golden frame seemed to be losing it's colour, slowly turning into a grayer, less shiny gold. And his ribbon drooped pitifully, it's once vibrant pink gone dusty. His cheeks had since lost its perky blush, and deep eyebags seemed to form under his eyes despite the over extended rest.

Scraps was also in there. Sitting on one of the many chairs that had been brought in, she had a sketch pad and pencil in hand. Seemingly sketching the sleeping Glisten.

"Keeping yourself busy, I see?" Rodger commented as he came in, putting his brief case down and settling into a chair next to her.

"Oh, Rodger, hey!" She smiled softly. "Yeah, uh... just figured it'd be good for me... I kinda miss him." She admits.

Rodger near pouted at that. "He isn't gone... not yet." 

"Well, I know that, but... he kinda is gone, just... not dead..." Scraps erased something from her sketch, "It's not the same without him around... Goob's really upset about it."  

He cringed. Dead. Nobody had really brought up the genuine possibility of death until now. Rather he admired her or resented her for the suggestion, he didn't know.

"...Right." He looked away. Now just watching over the peaceful Glisten. Even now, in such a dire situation. He looked like a God, gorgeous and elegance. It was a small comfort to Rodger. 

And then he heard a gasp. He turned around, and saw a frankly scared looking Toodles had opened the door.

He didn't shut the door. 

"Sweetheart-"

"Whats wrong with him!?" She yelped, running over to the bed and crawling into it. Looking distressed at how bad Glisten seemed.

"Oh, Toodles! Hey, hey it's okay!" Scraps quickly got up. "He's just sick, remember?" She said in her big sister tone. Picking up the girl and putting her down, crouching down a little to be on Toodles level.

"...Yes, Toodles... we can't get too close." The lie felt bitter in his body.

"Liar!" Toodles pushed Scraps away. "You all keep saying he's sick! But you all keep coming in here! And you're leaving me out! I like Glisten too!" She cried.

"Dear, please- it's... Grown ups can handle the... sickness, better..."

"But you're lying! You're still lying!" Toodles looked mad now. "I'm big enough to know he's not the kind of sick I can get! I wanna see him too, it's not fair!" 

Before Rodger could screw up any further, Scraps stepped in. "You're right, we did lie. And, that wasn't okay, I'm sorry." She got to Toodles leven again, now on her knees instead of crouched down. "We thought this might be too scary for you, but we should've told you the truth instead... Forgive me?" Scraps offered the half done Drawing to the child as a peace offering.

The girl took the page, looking down at it before hugging it, and nodding. 

She sniffled and wiped her eyes, still pouting, but less so. "...We need to make him feel better!"

Rodgers heart broke at that. 

"That... would be desirable, yes..." Toodles started climbing onto the bed again. This time, Rodger helped her up.

Toodles got near his face, comparing him to the sketch and stuck her tongue as she thought. Before suddenly running off.

"Uh-" Scraps confusion was just as obvious as Rodger's was.

Then the eight year old came running back in, paper exchanged for a doggy stuffy in hand. And held it up. "This is my puppy! She keeps me safe! But I think you need her more right now..." Toodles tucks the toy in near Glisten's head.

"That's really sweet of you, Toodles..." Rodger sat down on the bed next to her. "I'm sure he would appreciate it."

She nodded. "And now we gotta kiss it better!"

"Uh, what?" 

Scraps snorted. And Toodles continues. "The moms and dads used to kiss their kids scrapes and bruises better! So we should do that! Like this!" Toodles kissed her doggys head. 

"Ah, I see, yes." He gave a 'kiss' to the puppy plush. 

"Now you do it on Glisten!"

"Oh my gooooooshhh-" Scraps wheezed in the background. Rodgers slightly blushed. "Toodles... I don't think that's a good idea..." 

"Why not?" 

"It's... you should ask permission to do that..."

Toodles hummed. "But... you sometimes kiss my forehead when I'm sleeping! So you should kiss his forehead!" 

Scraps laughed at that. And Rodger shot her a dirty look. Before back to the little one. "It's just... more complicated than that- no, no." Toodles started using her puppy dog eyes.

"Pleeeeeasssse?"

"Toodles, I'm putting my foot down-"

"PLEEAS-"

"Fine!" Rodger got up, hands tucked behind his back.. "I will do it this once, on the forehead. Nothing more."

"Yay!" Toodles cheered, and Scraps had a fresh page of her sketch book out and ready to capture the moment.

Rodger's face heated up ever so slightly. Looking around the room before he went around the bed, hands planted on the soft covers, he leaned over.

"...Get better soon." He mumbled, before giving an incredibly fast peck on the head. A little clink! was heard.

"There, are you satisfied?" He asked tiredly to Toodles, who giggled and nodded. Honestly, she just thought it would be a nice thing to do, and a little funny! 

Then the covers stir a bit. As the three heads in the room snap over to Glisten. Who whined softly, his eyes fluttering open. 

"Mmm.... Rodger?..." Glisten asked in a soft, dreamy voice. Before being immediately pulled into a hug by both Toodles and the detective. 

"I told you it would work! I told you I told you I told you!" Toodles squealed. Scraps, shocked, had gotten up, and went to go get the others.

"W-What's going on?-" Rodger cut him off.

"I am... so relieved you're alright." 

Glisten's confusion remained, but he forced a slight smile and patted both their backs. "I'm always alright, you know this!"

"GLISTEN!" Vee and Boxten said in unison, before going over to him—Vee took Rodger's shoulder and pulled him back, shooing him. Before back to Glisten. "Do you know your name? On a scale of one to ten how would you rate your pain? How many fingers am I holding up? Are you a homosexual?" She rapidly fired questions to him in a monotone voice, trying to gage the damage.

After a second to process, Glisten answered. "Uh- Glisten, obviously. I'm not in pain? You're holding up five, and, yes??" 

She sighs with relief. "You seem to be functioning, then."

A few more toons, like Teagan, Sprout, Astro and Brightney funneled into the room. Glisten could feel himself starting to feel a bit suffocated. So Scraps took charge.

"Alright, alright! Everyone out! Astro and Sprout, you two can stay to check up on him, Rodger can too since he was here to see him wake up."

"—Excuse me?" Vee's screen glitched.

"You heard me, march!" Scraps upbeat tone said with a playful smile as she pointed towards the door, planning on leaving herself. 

The other toons gave glances to eachother, but nodded. Teagan took Toodles, who waved bye to Glisten as they all shuffled out. Leaving Rodger, Sprout, Astro... and Vee.

"No. I'm staying too." Vee huffed.

"This is not the time for another entitled temper tantrum..." The detective mumbled. 

"I'll show you a temper." Vee looked ready to punch him when Astro gave her a look. Glisten cleared his throat.

"I feel like I missed out on some drama, however, Vee—bestie, bitch, girly pop, I think you should leave just for a bit? You can fill me in after." 

Vee's eyes narrowed.

"Are you actually choosing him over me?" 

Astro shifted uncomfortably, nudging Vee with one of his stars. "...he's not picking sides..."

"Yeah, you need to chill." Sprout crossed his arms. 

"No, you need to stop trying to gatekeep him! He's my best friend!" Vee pointed at, well, eeveryone. "I'm the closest anyone will ever get to him, and you bugs are trying to keep him from me!" Glisten flinched at her harsh words, while Rodger held his shoulders and glared at Vee. 

"Out." Sprout grabbed her upper arm. And her face changed to surprise. 

Hurt. Betrayed. 

"...Fine. You don't n-nEeed me? Perfectly acceptable. I'm gOod enough by m-Myself anyways." She jerked her arm from Sprout, and stormed off. Screen flickering.

"Veeeeee, that's not what I meant-" She slammed the door shut before Glisten could finish. The mirror looked down, feeling guilty. 

Rodger swallowed hard, and sat next to him. "I apologize for her... I had no idea she'd react that way..."

Astro almost headed out to go try to reason woth her, but Sprout stopped him. 

Glisten huffed softly. "Save it for later, pretty boy. Would someone please just tell me what's going on?..." 

Sprout and Astro exchange looks, before Sprout spoke up. "Well... it started when you ate a bad apple..." 

Chapter Text

Vee had shut herself down for a bit. So angry her systems were overheating. 

After she had somewhat calmed down, she went back to pacing, back to pacing with rage and talking to herself in mutters and murmurs.

"Who does the detective think he is? He was already crossing lines when he tried to interrogate Astro, but this is a new low, even for him."

"I mean, this has to be a joke. He got lucky and just happen to be in the room when Glisten woke up, they don't need him in there anymore than they need me—Glisten needs me."

"Absolutely illogical! I don't get it, why are they pushing me away? I'm helping!" 

She continues to monolog and pace, getting another overheating warning and promptly ignoring it, her fans began to whirl once more. 

Then a screen in her room flickered, and her head snapped towards it. 

"...Connie."

"Boo, mwehehe." She floated out of the screen. 

"I swear to the makers, if you damaged another one of my televisions-"

"Chill, chill screeny." Connie lazily floated over to her, hands held in mock surrender. "Just wanted to tell ya about something. 

Her interest was piqued. "...Go on."

"So, y'know the whole Glist situation?"

"You were spying on them, weren't you?" She deadpanned.

"And you don't with the security feed?"

"...Hmph, touche."

Connie smirked. "Anyways, I saw what happened when he woke up. Rodger's got some explaining to do."

Vee's full attention was now on the ghost. "What?"

She snickered. "You're sooo not gonna like it." 

"So..." Sprout's brows furrow in confusion. "You... kissed him," He gestured to Glisten. 

"On the forehead!" Rodger added quickly. 

"Right... on the forehead. And now... he's... awake?" He repeated what Rodger had said. Everyone in the room a little... confused. Both Rodger and Glisten were blushing.

"It... appears so, yes." Rodger tugged at his jacob a bit, it suddenly felt too snug on his neck. 

Glisten covered his face. This was not how he envisioned his confession of love to go.

"...I mean..." Astro closed his eye and thought. "...You did eat one of those apples... it'd make sense that... that would wake you..." 

"Honestly, I'm kinda surprised you love someone more than yourself—No offense, Glisten." Sprout shrugged. Glisten couldn't really blame him for thinking that.

"None taken!~" Glisten replied in a confident tone.

Ha, it'd be funny if he actually loved himself...

Anyways.

"...How are you feeling?" Astro whispered. Glisten stretched a bit, and yawned.

"A tad drained... nothing I couldn't push through, though!"

"Oh no, absolutely not." The strawberry crossed his arms. "You're going on bed rest."

"What? Nooooo." Glisten whined. Rodger couldn't help but find it endearing.

"Yes, we still don't know all the effects thr apple had on you. So until you recover, you're staying right here, got it?"

Glisten pouted, turning to Rodger. "Rodger, dear, tell him I'm fine please!" 

"You're not fine." Rodger replied. Glisten dramatically huffed and fell back into his pillow. "I fall under a curse for a week and this is how I'm treated? You wound me." 

"You'll live." 

The light banter between the two continued. With over-exaggeration from the mirror, and witty replies from the magnifying glass.

Things felt normal again, if only for a moment. 

Sprout and Astro came in and out of the room. Plenty of other toons followed thr pattern, coming in, checking on him—Toodles and Goob coloured with him for a bit. 

He did notice a lack of Vee coming to see him, which worried him ever so slightly. He could only hope she wasn't still upset at... whatever she got upset at. His memory proved fuzzy at best. And his sole conclusion was 'It's my fault, clearly.' 

Rodger left when people starting coming in and out, wanting to give Glisten space. Plus, he himself got a tad bit overwhelmed.

He decided to go in his room and get some work done. Mostly going over the old episode file again, along with others he found. If ichor could be used like that, he wondered how else it could be abused...

He didn't want to think about that, but he had to, for everytoons safety.

It was around eleven PM. And Rodger had been keeping his eye on Glisten's room, getting up and walking down the hall every hour or so. It seemed like, finally, nobody else was there but the mirror himself.

He peeked in, his attempts at being stealthy however were dismissed, as Glisten was very much awake.

"You can come in, detective." The mirror said without looking away from what he was doing—Reapplying makeup with his little stand mirror and a blush pad. 

Rodger cleared his throat, stepping in and shutting the door behind himself.

Glisten spoke again, "Really, would it have been so hard to clean my glass atleast once? Do you know how hard it is to get crusty week old makeup off?" 

The magnifying glasses expression softened. 

"Still up then, I see?"

Glisten hummed, adding his eyeliner woth two perfect swipes. "Well, I've had plenty of beauty sleep, apparently." 

"That... is a fair point." 

Rodger went and sat by Glisten. A half eaten bowl of soup, a handful of handmade get well soon cards, and a unwrapped chocolate rested on his nightstand. 

"You had us worried." Rodger commented, looking at the soup. "You had me worried, we didn't know when you'd wake..." 

"Well, I'm up now, aren't up?" Glisten added some shimmery eyeshadow. "No need to keep worrying about it!" 

"You and I both know how foolish of a statement that is." 

Glisten's gaze turned to him, sighed, and put his makeup brush down slowly.

"...I suppose I do feel... not at my best best, just my... kinda best, hmph."

"I wonder why." Sarcastically said Rodger.

"Oh, got some sarcasm in your cards now?" Glisten teased. Getting Rodger flustered once more. 

"I-I am merely stating a fact, you cannot deny you need time to recover. And until then, I believe I am in the right to worry..." 

Glisten snorted softly, covering his mouth with his hand as he gently snickers. "Worry about little Glisten? I'm flattered, not that I should be surprised. I bet my presence was greatly missed!"

Oh, how true of a statement that was.

"...It was, Glisten." The detective looks at him. "We all missed you."

"...Oh." His flamboyant persona falters a bit. "I mean... of course, I expect to be missed!"

"Glisten." Rodger's tone was stern. "You do not have to put your mask up here... you were missed, genuinely."

Glisten gulped at the reassurance. A littlebit more, he just craved a little more. "And... you missed me, too?"

Without missing a beat, Rodger replied with confidence. "More than I can put into words, yes." 

A blush spread onto Glisten's face. For so long, and by long he means the twelve hours he's been awake, he had allowed himself to believe that everyone who visited him today did it solely out of pitty. Out of obligation. Or just to mock him internally. 

Yet, when the magnifying glass- when Rodger said it. It felt so... real. So true, it warmed his heart and made it beat faster. If his pupils could be hearts, they would. 

But he didn't deserve that, did he? 

For just a moment long enough, he lost enough sense to say what was on his mind. 

"...Do you love me?" His tone became soft, laced with delicate vulnerability. 

"Pardon?" Rodger near exclaimed, the question had caught the magnifying glass off guard.

"You... You said you kissed me, and I woke up." The mirror took in a deep breathe. "Because, if you love me, a-and I love you-"

"You... love me?" 

"Of course I love you, detective!" Glisten exclaimed. "And if you loved me back, then that was true loves kiss! And I need it, so break my heart already because I don't deserve it-"

"Glisten." Rodger interrupted. 

Glisten paused, sucking in a nervous breath. "...Yessss?"

"May I kiss you?" He asked bluntly. And Glisten's brain short circuited for a moment.

I started ranting, venting even! And he wants to kiss me now!? Huh???

Not that he felt it was a bad thing.

Glisten gulped, and open his mouth. His voice betrayed him as nothing came out, he closed it, and just nodded.

Rodger leaned in, his hand going under the chin of the mirror. 

Clink!

Rodger cut off his rant with a soft, gentle kiss. On the lips this time, too! immediately Glisten melted into it, his arms lazily wrapping around Rodger's shoulders. 

Glisten tugged on Rodger until the older was straddling him. Rodger's hands as curious as the detective, they gently graze Glisten's thighs. 

They held each other in a passionate embrace. Pulling back just an inch to catch their breath, a warm and loving feeling overwhelmed Glisten, he felt hearts in his eyes for real this time.  

As if all was right in the world. 

Until it wasn't. 

"What are you doing to him!?"