(OCxCanon!)

  "I think it's really nice out today," Rusted Shield smiles, "wanna go for a walk?"

  "Mm. Not really."

  Rusted Shield pouts. "Come on! Do you have any reason not to?"

  Sticker's eyes meet hers for a split second. "No, I just don't want to."

  "Ugh," she throws her head back, "come on! It'll be fun! We can see the butterflies, and the flowers, climb a hill and enjoy the view," she pulls on Sticker's arm, "and it'll be a nice time, just the two of us."

  "Okay," Sticker heaves himself up, "fine. Let's go, then."

  Rusted Shield giggles, and they walk side by side up a gently sloping hill. A few bees buzz around a nearby patch of white flowers. The chatter of other contestants fades away as the pair walk farther up the hill.

  "It's nice up here, right? Just, the nature, all around us?"

  Sticker looks up at the clear sky, then out at the expanse of crisp grass surrounding them. Somewhere past that is the ocean that isolates their island. Rocks and trees dot the landscape, and untrimmed bushes litter the ground.

  "Sure. It's not like I see this everyday or something."

  "Hey, don't be so negative! There's always something new to see."

  "It's an island," Sticker rolls his eyes, "I know you're a newcomer and all, but eventually you'll see everything there is to see here."

  "Not true! Oh, come on, let's get to the top and I'll show you what I mean!" Rusted Shield races ahead of Sticker, who sighs and quickens his pace to a jog.

  Rusted Shield reaches the hill's crest long before Sticker does. She takes a deep breath, trying to absorb life itself within her. It's cool and fresh, with a hint of salt.

  "So you dragged me out here to show me this? I've been up here before," Sticker says as he comes up behind Rusted Shield.

  "I told you, there's always something new to see!" Rusted Shield points at a few boats gliding in the ocean, tiny from where she and Sticker are standing. "Look at those boats down there!"

  "And? Boats come in and out of the harbor all the time."

  Rusted Shield turns back to Sticker. "But it's still cool to see them out here, right? All of the objects down there, just doing their own thing...you can see the entire city from here!"

  Sticker watches Rusted Shield as she surveys the land with bright eyes. Objects like her seem to find something enjoyable in anything they find. It's tiring, but she doesn't seem to mind him.

  He can admit it's nice to have a little distraction from everyday life. Rusted Shield has a contagious energy that makes him glad to be with her. Of course, she could stand to tone it down sometimes.

  It's peaceful. Being away from everyone else, taking in the scenery...Sticker smiles to himself; just enough to break off from his usual frown.

  "...I guess so, yeah. Makes you realize how small you are compared to all of this."

  "Or glad that we can be a part of it. Every big thing is made out of smaller parts." Rusted Shield smiles tenderly. "I like to think we're all part of lots of things, even if we don't realize it. Helps me feel less alone."

  Sticker hasn't noticed Rusted Shield's hand in his until now.

  "And I'm just really glad to be with you, y'know? I'm glad I get to be part of your life."

  "Why?" Sticker turns away to hide his blush. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not an optimistic person."

  "Does that have to matter? I like you for being you. You're not a grump, you're a realist, and someone who gets things done!" She giggles. "And you like me for being myself too, right?"

  "I, uh- Yeah?" Sticker fixes his gaze to the ground. "I don't know what you're getting at."

  "Ah nevermind, it doesn't really matter. Also, do you mind if I...keep holding your hand? I uh, kinda did it on impulse, but it feels really nice..."

  "I don't mind..." Sticker mutters. He doesn't feel the need to object or raise questions, as strange as the situation is. It just feels nice. Right, almost. Her hand is warm in his.

  He glances at Rusted Shield for a moment. She's still looking out at the city, thinking about who knows what.

  A small breeze brushes against his face. The ocean glitters under the sunlight. Even from their height, the landscape stretches on endlessly.

  Once again, he's glad he let Rusted Shield drag him out here.