If you're still taking requests for the build-a-fic...
Maybe some Post-Construct / birds ContraCold (platonic or romantic is cool) with "i missed you. that's all." x yearning x hurt/comfort
(Cold and Contra are such a good duo, I love them!! They're so silly but also so interesting!! These prompts are really good, so enjoy!!)
Cold was used to standing still and waiting. He didn't particularly like it, but he could do it, if all other options had been exhausted.
Cold was good at waiting, until an opportunity presented itself to him to get rid of the numbness and boredom.
But this was different, for some reason.
Cold was currently pacing up and down the hallway, in front of a certain bedroom that he didn't dare enter. He didn't know why, but his body refused to go inside.
No matter how hard he tried or reasoned with himself, he couldn't stand the thought of sitting down and waiting.
What was he waiting for? For Contrarian to come out of his bedroom.
Contrarian had been sick the past few days, banished to his bed where he hadn't moved since. Hero had told him that it wasn't anything serious, but that he just needed time to recover.
Then Hero had given him a look like he wanted to say more, but a simple blank stare was all it took to send the other running away like a fledgling before he could.
Cold didn't need him to state the obvious.
Contrarian was sick because of him.
It had been their first time investigating a river for themselves. Cold only remembered the act of drowning via water, but nothing else, and he wanted to see what else it had to offer. Contrarian shared a similar, but more playful, sentiment.
It had been a- tolerable day, one that Cold wouldn't mind doing again.
But then Cold got the bright idea to see how long Contrarian could hold his breath underwater for, and Contrarian was quick to accept.
Cold suddenly stopped his pacing when he thought he heard a noise from inside Contrarian's bedroom.
He waited. One second, then two. But then the silence stretched on.
When Cold instinctively released a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding, he stopped, looking down at himself as if in disbelief.
This can't be affecting him this much, can it?
Contrarian was fine. He was just sick, and Cold wasn't used to not seeing his friend for a while. If anything, he should be intrigued by how he was doing right now.
But Cold just found himself sick of the waiting, just like before, in the cabin.
Cold hardly remembered how long Contrarian was underwater for. He remembered just staring at his spot from under the dark water, waiting to see his reaction, whether he would smile or complain, or maybe even burst back up with a disappointed look on his face.
But he ended up laughing, feathers soaked and glistening in the sun. His laugh echoed throughout the forest, and although it was a reaction that Cold expected, he found his chest feeling lighter at the sound of it.
Even if he did wonder how Contrarian would react to drowning. But Cold was surprised that he was secretly glad that that didn't happen.
But the walk back proved that not shaking the water off him was not a good idea, and now Contrarian was sick.
So now Cold was left alone, waiting for him to get better.
He had considered walking in and checking up on him, but talking wouldn't make Contrarian better, and Cold was sure he could find something to do in the meantime.
Well, he did, but none of it was fun anymore.
All the things that Cold would usually investigate and prod at, suddenly felt so dull and boring, and he knew why.
It was because Contrarian wasn't with him.
Cold tried to fill the bubbly, unpredictable space that Contrarian left, but none seemed to fit like the clown did.
Which was why Cold was outside the other's room, waiting for him to get better.
Cold hated to admit it, but he was restless because Contrarian wasn't here with him.
Deep down, that was what he was yearning for- for Contrarian's laughter and boundless chaos that never failed to take Cold by surprise.
Cold sighed harshly, frustrated at the fact that one little absence was enough to make Cold this bored and stuck. He should be shrugging off this annoyance like it was nothing- it's not like Contrarian was dead or anything.
But he couldn't.
Nothing was worth doing without Contrarian by his side, and all he could do was yearn for their usual escapades and wait for him to get better.
Then, Cold heard another noise from the bedroom, followed by a low, weak groan.
Cold froze, mind going blank in that moment.
He should go. He should go before Contrarian found out that he was just standing outside his bedroom for who knows how long.
Cold never cared what impression he gave other people, but he didn't wish to do anything to scare Contrarian in such a bad state.
He ignored the twist of guilt and concern in his chest, pushing it away, and instead turning around to quickly walk off before he got caught.
But before Cold could attempt to hide, the door swung open with surprising swiftness.
Contrarian groaned as he leaned against the doorframe, his feathers ruffled and unkempt, looking far less lively than normal.
Contrarian had definitely seen better days, if the way he swayed on the spot and the dull, exhausted look in his eyes was any indication. Cold never thought he would see the day that Contrarian was frowning like that.
Contrarian blinked, unfocused for a second, before he looked up at Cold.
He didn't even seem surprised at his presence. He just gave Cold a bright grin and cheerfully said, "Aw, hey buddy! I've missed you the last few days! Being sick sucks, I do not recommend it."
Cold just blinked, silently staring down at his friend, who was looking at him like Cold was a welcome sight in this moment.
He didn't want to admit it, but the relief he felt at seeing Contrarian's smile was enough to make a shiver go up his spine. It was unusual for Cold to care this much about another person, and to want to keep that person around over and over again.
But then again, that was Contrarian's nature, to go against what was expected and predicted-which was why he made such an excellent friend to Cold.
Cold said nothing as he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Contrarian tight, and burying his face in his shoulder, allowing himself to let a big exhale out that only the other avian could hear.
Contrarian stuttered in surprise, buckling at the sudden weight before cautiously returning the hug.
"Hey, what's wrong, Cold? Did something happen? You're not usually like this."
No, he wasn't, and yet- Cold couldn't help the smile that tugged on his lips at getting to hear Contrarian's voice again.
"I missed you. That's all."
