I Looked To The Stars~Drumbot Soldier
The Toy Soldier asks the same question for the literal hundredth time, “When Is Brian Coming Back?” Thankfully, Tim had replaced Jonny, and instead of getting shot again, it got an answer. “We’re not sure TS. The Aurora is trying to find him, but her scanners can only go so far.” A long pause… “I Miss Him…” “I know, TS. We’ll find him soon.” “Please Do Not Lie.” Tim sighs and leaves TS to keep looking out the airlock. Nastya makes sure no one pushes it out. After a month of waiting, TS leaves the airlock. Jonny is the first to see it, walking down the hall. “Finally decided to stop moping?” TS doesn’t speak and continues to Brian’s room, grabbing his paints. It returns to the airlock and tries its best to open the paints. Nastya is the one that opens it, having rushed over after Jonny told her what happened. “Here, TS.” “Thank You, Miss Rasputina.” TS starts painting on the airlock, a yellow sun, then green grass, then red and blue flowers. “It’s beautiful,” Nastya comments, despite the smudges made by TS’ big, clunky hands. Not Like Brian’s. Brian was always careful when painting. “Yours is still beautiful.” “Oh, It Seems I Was Thinking Out Loud. I’m Sorry.” Nastya laughs, “Don’t worry, it happens.” As TS continues to paint, a silence settles. “Brian Used To Paint This On My Back.” Nastya jumps at the sudden sound of TS’ voice, “This exact thing?” TS nods, “He Says He Saw A Child Make One Just Like This A Very Long Time Ago.” Another silence, then “What If He Left Because Of Me?” Nastya’s eyes widen in shock, “Why would you think that? He loves you TS, he would not just leave you.” “I Also Love Him. And I Loved Someone Before Him. And I Killed Her.” Nastya shakes off the surprise of TS telling her its past, “He wouldn’t leave you for that. Does he even know?” TS shakes its head. “Well even if he did, he would stay by your side no matter what.” TS falls into another silence, this time without painting. After a minute, it dips the paintbrush in black. “Miss Rasputina… I Require Assistance.” “What is it TS?” “I… Want To Be Sad. Visibly. Could You… Paint My Expression To Better Suit My Emotion?” Nastya smiles soft and sad at it, “Of course, TS.”