Adoration

The orange Poleepkwa sighed as he sat on the roof of his shack, his antennas which twitched as the alien looked at the endless multitude of shacks which was the District 9.
Once he looked at the same landscape with an important person, but now that period ended.
It was different without the other's company, the District seemed duller but it was still vast, Olo hadn't explored it completely but he knew the dangers of it since he was young.
The one who took him away from his miserable life taught him a lot on how to survive this place and outside as well, but… huffing Olo tried to plan what to do today besides roast a bit his thick exoskeleton on the roof, but at least it was cloudy.
Aaaw, life was so boring! Kiri forbade him from fighting and for looking for a prostitute –he was too distract for the first thing and too young for the second in his opinion- so he had much less choice than other Poleepkwas.
And Kiri almost didn't spend time with him anymore.
Damn it.
They used to be together all the time, he had to figure it was starting to become a burden on him since Olo was a hatchling and was more trouble for him than before. Course, things changed. Olo learnt how to do things and managed to gain his own items and food so Kiri wasn't stressed in having to find more and more. Sighing, Olo looked at the shacks again before stretching out.
<What can I do today?>
<Ehi, you! You'll become like a roasted shrimp if you keep staying up there!>
He startled on the roof at the other Poleepkwa’s voice and moved on all four to the edge, looking down at the one who talked.
His antennas and the palps on his mandibles went crazy as he happily said: <Blue!>
Kiri smiled up at him.

He wanted to shout 'Where were you!' but he retained himself because probably Kiri would clout him for that impudence and hurried to get down. Luckily his kind had long and strong grasshopper-like legs or the jump would leave him with something important broken. Within a few seconds he hugged Kiri and was overly content feeling the older petting him on the head.
<  I was wondering when you'll show up!>
<Ehi, I didn't miss so much! I saw you just two days ago!> He exclaimed, stunned. He left him alone for a day or two when he was a hatchling too. Life in District 9 was hard and hatchlings had to make out with troubles since they learnt to walk.
Olo himself lost his parent when he was too young to remember and at four years old Kiri found the homeless, slim and desperate hatchling in his shack, trying to steal the blue Poleepkwa the few precious things his tiny arms could drag away.
The short and grumpy warrior had a terrible notoriety among the Nigerians and the other troublemaker Poleepkwas. Every Poleepkwa, adult or hatchling, had to be marked on its head with the Multi-National United logo as if they owned the aliens landed in Johannesburg and now that were practically prisoners in that slum. When a MNU functionary and some of their trigger-happy guards were sent to mark him…
Well, let’s say that some aliens ate well that day and the white-collar worker head was still missing.
Kiri never said his human or true name around and was called just ‘Blue’. And he changed the ruined and ripped clothes he wore as camouflage when he left for one of his missions. Olo often helped him even making a fake MNU mark on his head, he was like an intelligence agent! But Kiri had indeed a terrible temper.
The blue Poleepkwa had just a weak point: pups.
He could tear a human’s head with a bite but he would not even touch a child.
So when he found the soiled and neglected hatchling in his home Kiri didn’t kick him off and forced him to bathe, he fed him and the day after he carried Olo with himself to instruct him how to survive.
Olo never felt so much affection towards someone in his whole life!  
<  I just miss you is all, I don't like it when I don't see how you are doing. I know you are great at surviving, I just don't want to one day know you're gone forever...> Olo admitted, his giant brown eyes so sad as an abandoned pup.
Jeez, he used the same trick he used when he was just four and wanted to accompany him everywhere.
Kiri's expression softened as he patted on Olo's head.
Olo buzzed happily and the blue alien nodded. <Now stop with sappiness and let's go to eat some donuts, I'm hungry!>
So many times did Olo wanted to say 'I could kiss you!' but it'd be strange in the highest. But the donuts, oh how he loved those with Kiri.
And Kiri would think he was strange if he cuddled too much the other.
Come on, probably the blue Poleepkwa considered him just like a little brother, while Olo ADORED the friend.
<Onward to the donuts, for they are calling for us!> He cheered but not so loudly to draw attention, at least it wasn't hot or the others would be sniffing them out for the sweets once they had them in hand.
Kiri saved him and gave him a house and food and even affection when no one else did it.
Olo still smiled when thought of that day when Kiri looked everywhere in the dumps for hours until he found a ruined teddybear for the little hatchling who was unable to sleep. He even managed to wash and clean the poor thing a bit, in a place where water and soap were very rare!
He still kept the stuffed animal like a treasure.
It was his most prized treasure in his entire shack, the gift from Kiri. At night when he was alone in his small shack he would still cuddle with it and remember the days of his youth: he missed those times and how much he enjoyed living with Kiri.
His shack wasn't like Kiri's but it was close enough.
<Are we also going to be collecting things from the human's junkyard? We might find fabric scraps like before.>
<Yup, but if you find another flowery tent please, PLEASE, don't wear it singing 'the love bug'! It was a creepy song!> He exclaimed, shivering.
Olo looked offended. <  It was funny!>
<  It was disturbing! It talked about a bug which bit you and then snuggled in your heart with no cure! If you have a bug in your heart you simply die, not certainly sing!> He exclaimed, shaking his head as Olo sighed.
His friend really didn't listen to much music.
<You need to loosen up, listen to some music!> Olo suggested. <  I know you'd love the 'Love Shack'.> He said wiggling his antenna as Kiri looked at him oddly as if he was hinting love and pleasure at the same time. <You fit that good.>
He huffed. <Our streets aren't covered with glitters and on my shack there isn't a sign which says 'love shack' but just 'go away or die'.>
He wasn’t that ignorant in music after all.
<Aaaw, you are too serious!> Olo exclaimed, walking beside him, pouting.
A clawed hand gently patted on his orange head. <For this I tolerate you, Olo. You are never serious, so you complete me.>
Don’t look touched by these words, don’t look touched! Olo scolded himself, as he felt in the right side of his chest his heart pounding quickly.
<  If a day ever comes that I am serious, I might end up doing something foolish.> Olo told thinking about it, whenever the day comes, would he be serious? Sure he was when things got bad but being it often would be strange!
<  Indeed. A serious you would be creepy indeed.> Kiri admitted, smiling at him. <I like you as you are, Olo.>
Don’t melt now! The youngling buzzed in happiness.
<After we have doughnuts, we should scavenge for things, and you can help me improve some things in my shack. I noticed an conditioner in the garbage near my shack, maybe we can fix it.>
Kiri would like to reply that they would have to find a way to produce electricty too, not very easy, or to steal to someone else the electricity with hidden cables, but he didn't want to spoil his fun so Kiri simply shrugged. <Sure, why not?>
Olo had a small habit of looking at electronics in hopes to figure out how to make them work, he always wanted air conditioning for his shack since it was unbearable during the day's heat. <You believe it'll rain today?>
The blue alien looked up at the sky and his antennas twitched. <Mhm... no. Not today.> He finally replied, shifting some bush branches and nodding to Olo so he could move in the hole of the fence with ease.
He acted like that since the other was a hatchling, even now that he was old enough to shift the heavy things himself and was strong enough to kill a human with his bare hands.
That was so tender.
Moving carefully and quickly, Olo slipped through and fixed his hat as Kiri soon followed him out. <  I'm all set, wish we could get extra doughnuts for later.> The younger one exclaimed.
He could have so many snacks, he did find some useful containers to store food in for a while.
<Alright, but I haven't much money this week, so while I buy the fresh ones you take a look in the trashcan. Often they throw still delicious treats in the boxes.> He ordered.
<You get more often money, Blue.> Olo commented, looking curious. <Do you still destroy the vending machines?>
If so he’d like to join him: it was so funny seeing all those shining coins and those delicious snacks scattered on the floor like mature fruits dropped from a tree.
The Poleepkwa looked embarrassed. <Just seldom. Actually... I have a job now.>
What?!?

<A...a job? When did this occur?> Olo asked nearly stopping in his pace with Kiri. It was strange even thinking about it, imaging Kiri actually working for someone, to earn honest pay. Maybe the human mate did that to him, told him to get a human job or she's gone.
So when Kiri told the next words he wasn't too surprised at all. <Ehm... Helen found me a job as a salesperson in a book shop she goes in often.>
<So you have to obey to a human?>
After all these years saying terrible things and doing terrible things to the 'meatsacks'... all of sudden he became like an obedient dog just because his girlfriend told him to?
What happened to the Kiri he knew? Helen must have denied him sex, how rude of her to do that to him, worst, suggest and gain him a job to work for humans and under a human. He was getting money but this was so wrong. <Did she make you do this?>
Kiri looked uneasy. <'Make me do' sounds so bad... I wanted to learn humans' languages so I read all her books and magazines, and even if she kept buying new ones I wasn't satisfied, so she suggested me to work in a bookshop. It's easy, I can read all the time and I can have a discount on all the books.> He said, shrugging.
<So in a way, it's a good thing?>
<Exactly.>
Olo thought about it, he knew how to read a little bit. He was first grade level reader since Kiri was teaching him all he could without many books. For a moment, Olo was half tempted to join Kiri at working but he didn't know much of anything.
And honestly... he preferred being mad at him.
Yes, because Kiri was so compliant with a human he barely knew.
When he started dating her, a few months ago, a year ago?
He had been knowing Kiri in THIRTEEN years!
Why did he hide that from him till not long ago? It was rather strange, why did Kiri keep things a secret from him? Olo had his own but Kiri usually told him things, perhaps it was time to be the detective and follow Kiri around. At least he had a broken magnifying glass back home he could use. But his cowboy hat and his funny t-shirts didn't suit him much.

Kiri blinked as they sat in a calm place, beneath a tree.
The youngling ate his treats silently, too silently.
He barely looked happy when the blue Poleepkwa handed him even a milkshake he just bought, fresh and delicious.
Strawberry. His favourite flavour, while Kiri had to renounce to his chocolate milkshake, since he finished the money.
<Why are you grouching?>
<Hmm? Oh, sorry... I've been lost in my head, trying to think of things. Thank you.> Olo took a long slurp on his milkshake and sighed getting lost in thought once again, what was he thinking about? Kiri was curious since usually Olo rarely got distracted by anything. No, actually he did get distracted quite often, but when he did it he was so noisy and happy and chatty!
<You are silent and serious. Come on, tell me.> Kiri huffed, eating his doughnut.
<Hmmm? It's nothing, why?> Olo asked looking at him, Kiri had to know what that one was thinking, there had to be something on his mind to keep him from talking. <  I'm just thinking is all.>
Kiri stared at him, clearly alarmed. Olo startled when felt his head grabbed and Kiri looked at him, very close.
<Did you eat something which made you sick? Have you a parasite or other?>
Olo who was thinking rather than talk?!? That was creepy.
<No.> He said dragging the o out a bit in slight confusion, <Is something wrong?> He asked while Kiri examined him carefully just to make sure his little friend was alright.
<  I think you are strange this day. I can still hear my own voice, and when I'm with you it's not possible.> He plainly said.
The orange Poleepkwa was a chatterbox, he didn’t chat just when slept and actually when he didn’t kick during the night he managed to mumble something even in the sleep!
<Well, you got me thinking a lot about what you said earlier. I can't help it, I want to think about it. Besides, I don't know what to talk about.> Olo sighed.
<But... we always talked about everything.> Kiri said, a bit sad. Why all of sudden Olo didn't wish to talk?
<Talk... about what, though?> He asked looking at him. <H-how about your job?> He asked getting a drink.
<  I just forgot talking about it, that's all!> He protested.
<Why are you hiding secrets?> Olo accused as Kiri sighed. <Blue, wanna go rob something?> He suddenly asked.
<But... I thought you wanted to go in the dump to find something!>
<Can't we do two things?> He asked as Kiri sighed rubbing his face a bit.
<Alright... but before the dump. Best preys for first.>
Olo was happy with that, finishing off his milk shake, he carefully stuffed the rest of their doughnuts into his bag after wrapping them up with the napkins, one time he forgot to do that with some food and his bag was a mess when he got home, took hours to clean it.
Finally he would have some hours with Kiri, as he was used to when he was younger!

Kiri was scavenging for interesting things, but sometimes looked behind himself, staring at the orange Poleepkwa. He was really strange, and didn't know why.
Olo acted as if he was disappointed by him.
He was always one to not give into human things, maybe that was why Olo was upset, because he adored him for being a strong and fearless, human hating Poleepkwa. Now he worked for the humans because his human girlfriend told him to. Perhaps that's why Olo was like that, he did always wanted to be like him but the sudden change was possibly confusing him.
But fighting all the time wasn't funny at all. Sure, it was funny once in a while, but he was getting old and got a bit tired to see his soldiers dropping like flies.
An attack to humans once in a while was enough.
<What's up?> Olo asked as Kiri looked at him. <Now you are being the silent and mysterious one, did something happen?> He wiggled his antenna a bit.
<No... how about of this one?> He asked, showing him an old fan.
<Hmm, might fit, we still need bolts.> Olo told taking the fan to look it over carefully, the only thing wrong with it was that the cable was cut, it could be easily repaired but no one wanted the time to do it. <The motor might work. Blue, what did you think about my idea about a tunnel network?>
It wasn’t the first time they talked about that.
<  It's too much work for just few of us, Olo, and if many will work on it it won't be a secret for long: the Nigerians would fight to use it just for themselves and the MNU would discover it easily.> Kiri patiently explained him.
The younger grumbled a bit: he hoped it'd work, escape this place and go elsewhere, better than trapped in this hellish place where starvation was high and humans treated them as animals. <That sucks.>
Kiri looked at him, feeling sad. <Maybe... we could start with a short tunnel.>
Olo immediately returned happy and lively.
<  It'll help keep the shacks cool, we can store stuff down below too.> He told nodding as they continued to scavenge what they needed, Olo slowly entering his talkative mood once again.
Kiri felt a bit relieved. Finally he was normal again. Maybe he shouldn't have neglected him in the last weeks.
So much stuff was going on, a little time with Olo wouldn't hurt, he could steal a few hours if not another day for his little friend. <Oh, look at this.> Olo said making Kiri look seeing him holding up an old Halloween mask.
<And this what should represent?> He stunned asked, tilting his head. Helen made her watch some horror movies but that mask wasn't familiar.
<  I don't know.> Olo said as he honestly had no idea, he never seen TV much, when so it was always the boring news. Holding the mask up to his face he growled twitching his antenna. <  I'm going to hunt you down.> He playfully said.
Kiri laughed at that. <You are more creepy without it!>
<Ehi! Are you hinting I'm ugly?!> He exclaimed, throwing him the mask as he tried to catch the laughing alien.
Now that was Olo, the life of the party, happy and trying to get even with Kiri who was laughing his head off as Olo was trying to catch him but eventually got tangled up with a few power cords.
Kiri stopped when heard his exclamation and startled when the orange alien staggered and fell on him.
Ouch!
Kiri looked at the sky and then at the friend. <Ehi, are you alright?>
<Yup.> Olo grinned looking down at his friend, a happy grin that of being 'I'm on top! Ha ha ha!' as Kiri sighed in relief that he was. <  I ain't gonna get up either.> The orange one said adding,
<What?!> His antennas stiffened as he was outraged. <Let me go!>
<Nah, I'll keep you here and pet you and feed you and call you Larry.> Olo said wiggling his antenna at him.
<What?!?> Kiri exclaimed, since he never heard that quote before. <Are you crazy?>
<Nope, I adore my big blue pet.> He chuckled, oh how he loved this torment, it was defiantly getting to Kiri, that was good.
<This pet is going to kick your ass!> He exclaimed, rolling to be on the top and catch Olo's head in his arms grasp.
The youngling, still tied up from the cords, did his best to avoid the older as he scrambled but Kiri had him. <Let go! I was only playing!> He exclaimed.
<Aha! I'll teach you a lesson, brat!> Kiri exclaimed, quickly knocking his knuckled against Olo's head, knowing he hated it. <Beg for mercy!>
<Ow! Knock it off! Can't you take a joke, Blue?!> He asked trying to get him to let go, <Argh, you better stop it!> Olo threatened.
He wasn't going to let Blue win this time, no way.
Kiri startled when felt an elbow hitting him and got distracted enough to allow the youngling roll in his hug and pull him down again.
The blue alien blinked, surprised as the orange Poleepkwa was panting, pinning him down.
<This is the first time you manage to defeat me in a skirmish.>

<Oh yeah?> He asked catching his breath as Kiri nodded but Olo wasn't going to let down his guard as he kept pressure on Kiri, just to keep him down under him.
He told seeing how pleased Kiri was, Olo was getting stronger.
But now he felt a bit embarrassed. If someone saw them their position could be misinterpreted.
<Ehm... Olo?>
<Yes?>
<Can I get up now?>
<Right! Right!> Olo said moving off him before managing to find a stabled spot to sit, doing so he began to unravel the cord that caused him to fall over. <So much of this power cable.>
<Mhm, maybe it could of use, check that the metallic wires inside the plastic sheath.>
Olo's antennas were flickering quickly.
Jeez, for a moment he practically hugged Kiri.
A spur of the moment or was he really that happy? Whatever the case was Kiri patted him on the head as Olo was pleased. A moment later he was holding the cables they collected in his hands as Kiri tried to stuff most into the bag.
<Argh, we'll have to cut it and come back later!>
<No, it's full with copper wire, we can sell this stuff for a good price! We'll carry everything away!> Kiri exclaimed.
Copper to be sold and that meant money and money meant booze and food. Olo was hugging and petting the cord now and looked around for more to collect, surely other items had copper inside, they could use it all!
<For how much can we sell it?>
<At least 74,50 rand for every kilogram.> Kiri sniggered as Olo smiled. They had a lot of copper in their grasp.
<We have to hide it somewhere before we come back, someone else could try to steal it from us.>
Carrying it back would be a better choice but there was so much to take with them, but where could they hide it so humans wouldn't take it from them, that was their money to be made since they were the ones who stumbled upon it.
<Mhm... the secret passage on the west side? It's well covered by some old and abandoned houses and we can sneak in easily without being seen.>
<Yes, but once we are in what can we do?>
<There is a tunnel where we can hide it. There we cut the cable and carry some to your shack in many steps.>
Kiri shrugged. Why not? But one of them had to watch over the booty.
Maybe they could ask Aria help.
<Feels like we're doing a mission like they do in the comics.> Olo said as they hurried to collect their booty. <Are you thinking about something?>
<You and I can't always watch it so I'm going to ask for someone to assist us. Do not worry about who, just know this one can be trusted.>
<Still, you make me want to ask.>
<  It's the one who sold me the lemon tree.>
Oooh, he adore it, it was slowly growing in a vase in Kiri's shack and often the blue alien gave him a glass of the bitter and fresh juice.
<She has many soil sacs, we just have to use the empty ones to put some of the cables and cover them with some soil. Then we carry them to my shack and I'll put them in my hiding places.>
Great! <But won't she ask us a reward?>
<Sure... you'll help her with her garden.>
<Yes, I'll help... wait what?!?> Olo exclaimed, outraged.

The orange Poleepkwa huffed as his beautiful red t-shirt was covered with dirt.
A very happy green Poleepkwa thanked many times him and Kiri, especially the blue alien.
Jeez, that minx was flirting with him!
Grumbling lowly Olo growled as he moved another sack of soil and set it on the pile while watching the pair, that minx wasn't going to steal Kiri away like that human, no way and no how. She may be Blue's friend but Olo hated it when someone steals him away from his side, in a way he was possessive of his friend and father-like savior.
<Come on, no need to thank us, you helped us so much!>
Aria smiled. <Why you don't stay here for a little longer? I have a delicious fruit juice, it's still cool. My boss gave me a refrigerated bag. Do you like the grape juice?>
<  If it's for free I'll love it. Olo, how about of->
<No.> He grumpy said, surprising them. <We have to leave.>
Kiri promised him to stay together and that 'together' didn't include another nuisance girl.
<Olo, I'm sure you are thirsty.>
<  I'm not, we better get going.> He said brushing his red shirt clean as best as possible, he hated this and how she flirted with Blue. He was angry and ready to go home, no more of this favour crap. <Let's go before we become an annoyance.>
Aria blinked, then when the stunned blue alien was caught by the other and dragged away she hurried to come back in her shack and hold two orange juices. <Wait! At least have these!>
Kiri outstretched his arm and the other threw her the two small bottles.

<That was very impolite, Olo.> Kiri scolded him as he handed the other his bottle.
There was no response as he was dragged back to the showers as Olo grumbled stuffing the juice into his bag, hanging it up he took his shirt off and looked at it, dirty but it wasn't stained, thankfully. <I don't like her.>
<You knew her just ten minutes ago, how can you say that?> Kiri asked, hiding his machete in the bag as they came in the showers. They weren't that stupid to leave their items outside so they carried their bags with them and put them in a corner.
<Not ten minutes ago, but at least an hour ago! And I didn't like her!> Olo reiterated.
<Why?> Kiri asked as the orange one shook his head, <Olo, are you angry because she was talking to me?>
<  It's not just that.> He said trying to calm down as he got the water started.
Kiri was stunned as quickly brushed his exoskeleton. <Aren't you a bit old to be jealous if I don't pay attention to you all the time?>
<  I'm jealous whenever some female makes you happy and I can't, when they talk to you to make you smile and laugh.> Olo looked away, ashamed a bit but angry too. <Why should they get the right?>
Kiri looked astonished. <Olo... I not even thought of Aria as a possible mate, it's just a friend. You are different.>
<She was flirting with you like that human you are dating.> He said as Kiri sighed while Olo looked away. <Forget it.> He mumbled and started washing himself and his shirt.
The human had a name. But if he said that Olo could become even stranger. <We'll talk about it once at home, Olo.>
And he was going to get what the hell was happening to his friend.

<May I know why all of sudden you are jealous of everyone who is my friend? And Helen? Jeez, even Helen? She is kind with you!> Kiri exclaimed, thorwing his bag on the table as Olo was following him inside Kiri's shack.
What could he even say without being yelled at or even argue. Jealousy was inside Olo, Kiri did so much for him and these females were trying to take him away, his only friend. Staying near the door, Olo set his bag down before taking a seat on a tire as Kiri looked at him, waiting for an answer.
<Well? Talk to me, Olo, because I can't get it myself!> Kiri exclaimed, crossing his arms and tapping his clawed hand on the blue exoskeleton.
<You won't understand either way, even if I put it into simple terms.> He said looking at the floor as he took a breath. <  I don't want to be alone.>
Kiri stared at him, astonished. <You are mad at me because I made you live in another shack? Olo, I told you, here it's too small and you were already fourteen! I didn't abandon you, you were free to visit me whenever you wished to!>
<  It's not that!> He said looking at him. <They'll take you away, I'll never see you again. I told you that you wouldn’t understand.> Standing up he grabbed his bag. <  I'm going back home, you should figure it out in the days you are with your mate.>
Kiri was wearing a necklace and a ribbon now, he never wore that stuff... until he started dating that human.
That human was changing him, soon he would ignore him as if Olo was a stranger!
Two slim arms hugged him while Kiri knelt to cuddle that stupid pup.
<Don't be silly, Olo. No one will take me away from you.> And he wasn't going to let him leave that easy.
<You're changing Blue...> Olo told softly as he closed his eyes, loving the cuddle as he felt Kiri hugging him more. <I don't want you to be a stranger and ignore me...You mean a lot to me.>
<  I didn't want to make you feel embarrassed. You aren't a hatchling anymore and I was afraid you would have considered me oppressive.> Kiri explained.
Slowly Olo hugged him back, <I'm fine when with you, I just get upset when others talk to you since it's hard to make you laugh when I'm around. Like that time at that place, I was...nervous to embarrass you.>
<  I can't laugh at your jokes if I'm your adoptive parent, Olo. I have to be strict wth you and can't burden you with too many problems... with friends I relax myself.>
<You'll leave this place when you have the chance, to be with Helen. I don't depend on you much but I do miss you when I don't see you. I get worried you got hurt or...>
<  If I'll ever leave, with Helen or not, I'll take you with me.> Kiri firm said, making him look at his amber eyes.

Just saying those words, he saw his little friend's eyes sparkle and change instantly as he was soon being squeezed tightly making him squirm for breath. <Thank you!>
He was back to his normal behaviours, finally.
Kiri sighed in relief and patted on Olo's back. <Alright, how about if this afternoon we go to sell some of the cables we found and then buy the necessary for a great dinner for just you and me?>
Olo's antennas went crazy and almost blinded him. That sounded like a yes.
<But it's getting too warm now... it's alright if we take a nap?> Kiri shyly asked. His blue exoskeleton unluckily adsorbed much more light and he preferred moving in early morning or after the sundown.
Oh how he wished he didn't say that was he was tackled onto the bed and nuzzled against his little orange friend who held onto him while he pet him and chuckled. <We'll nap till you're ready and then get a large dinner, eat to hearts content and then watch the stars.>
<  I'll look for some marshmallows and biscuits too, so we'll be able to roast them on the hot roof and make smores!> Kiri chuckled.
<  I want meat, like...um....chicken or cow!> He nuzzled him, buzzing. <  I saw a tasty meal image in the trash, looked pretty good but it had green stuff around it.>
<Alright, alright!> Kiri chuckled. Indeed the 'green stuff' (probably Helen would classify it and tell him even the species!) had a bitter taste. <Now stop chatting, this old guy is tired.>
<Mmm, old, pfft!> Olo scoffed at that and nuzzled him, after a few minutes the two were sleeping away, keeping each other comfortable and close while dreaming.

During their rest, Olo woke up just to ensure himself Kiri was there. The blue one was resting away with him, unmoved from when they went to sleep.
<Blue, thank you.> He whispered stroking his face. <  I adore you more than anything in the world. You never give up on me, you are my best friend.>
Happily he snuggled into him even if in that small shack it was very warm.
That could be the first and last time he had the occasion to say that.
<  I love you, stupid.> He sighed.