Chapter Text
When the captain shuts their eyes, they reflect back to better days.
Back when times were better, Red and Purple were great friends during their first couple years of working under MIRA. Despite their struggles, being an unpaid intern was actually kind of fun when you had a friend to be alongside you, even with the place practically falling apart in hindsight.
It's why without knowing it, Red had excelled in their work by usually working harder than Purple, who was more or less focused on just doing what they were supposed to do. They knew how to please and play by the rules, even if it contradicts how they personally feel. They knew they wanted to be good at what they do because it'd be the only thing uplifting their fragile sense of self. This financial situation and emotional vulnerability would make them prey to anyone willing to take them, and Pink, the head of MIRA, knew that all too well.
Maybe that's why they had taken such a liking to Red.
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It was late at night, with the crickets chirping and the frogmates singing. The two interns, now just two regular beans, were snuggled up on the couch. Red was staying over at Purple's apartment due to their mutual agreement for saving some beans, and although they wouldn't need this after becoming Captain of the Skeld, the company was still appreciated for what it was worth. Purple was gently holding Red in their lap akin to a little bean pod, stroking their velvety fur as the latter purred and nuzzled closely into their chest, seeming like they were about to fall asleep right then and there. The soft hum and glow of the television seemed to illuminate the room to only belong to the two. The night was theirs, and theirs alone tonight. If moments could last forever, Red would have tried their hardest to have this one linger.
As life goes, good things don't ever last. Purple had to get up after some time, leaving Red whining out protests.
"Huuhm? Waaaiitttt, Purrps... Come baack...!" Red begged, still groggy and giving Purple the classic puppymate eyes.
"Pfft- Redsie, I'll be gone for just a sec," they chuckled out.
"I gotta feed Heracles, okay? I'll be back in a bit."
Purple kissed their forehead before checking the kitchen counter for their fishmate food.
"Dammit..."
"What?" Red quickly glanced from over the couch.
"There's no more fishmate food. I was hoping I'd have enough to feed them this month."
Purple's voice sounded barely restrained as they tried their hardest not to cry. Their body language looked tense with their fists clenched like they were about to punch the wall next to them.
"Fucking dammit, MIRA! We barely get enough beans to get by, if any at all, and they said I'd have some compensation for any petmates. I don't even have enough to feed myself." They murmured that last part more quietly.
Purple wandered over to Heracles, the fishmate swimming right over to greet them.
"Oh, sweetie... what am I going to do?"
Red thought to themselves a bit before butting in.
"Maybe... I could ask for a promotion?"
"Huh?"
"Weell- I don't know, mmaybe I could ask the Boss for some more beans to pay?"
"You mean the same boss who got us in this situation?"
"Look! Look, I know it's. stupid. But I've seen the feedback they've given me! Maybe... I can convince them for you. For Heracles."
Purple seemed hesitant, like they knew it wouldn't be as easy as Red wanted to make it sound. But what choice do they have? They couldn't just let Heracles starve.
"...Fine. We'll do it your way, but I'll be with you for your appointment. I still don't trust the Boss one bit."
"Okay."