₊✩‧₊ Affliction ₊✩‧₊

by Anonymous

Summary:

af·flic·tion
/əˈflikSH(ə)n/
noun
something that causes pain or suffering.

——

Something’s not right with Gigi and Connie wanted to figure out. It’s worse than what she imagined but she’s not leaving her ‘partner in crime’ to suffer alone any longer.

Connie/Gigi centric story.
Other ships are not a big focus but are included.

Chapter 1: ✩ Going Up & Going Down.

Summary:

It still counted as a long run, right? Even if things still began to fall apart- just at a way later floor compared to what Connie had expected.

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A long run usually didn’t get far, at least in Connie’s opinion. You could want to go far and maybe even plan for it but most of the time the group of toons gathered is a uncoordinated mess who barely make it past the fifth floor whether it’s due to genuine mistakes, pure chaos or bickering. She had decided to tag along on this one that Astro was hosting solely because Gigi had joined it and she hadn’t seen the gachapon around lately despite how close of friends they were.

The elevator began its descent with a full set of eight toons. Vee, Shelly, Astro, Pebble, Gigi, Ginger, Blot and of course Connie. Plans were already being discussed and roles were assigned quickly with Pebble as the distractor and Blot as the backup while Ginger’s role went unspoken with it being obvious. Astro and Shelly as support but also extractors with the main extractors being Vee, Connie and Gigi.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. Connie snickered to herself at the thought that if they tried hard enough maybe they’d at least get to floor ten before things started falling apart. There was a little time before the door opened but not a whole lot so aside from the discussion of who’s role was what only one quick conversation was gotten in between Blot and Ginger.

“(?etteboB htiw oud ot gniog erew uoy thguoht I)” Blot raised a brow. The timid toon shook her head with a sigh as she looked aside and explained that Bobette had come down with a fever so she had opted to join Astro’s run while Tisha saw to it that Bobette was taken care of in Ginger’s temporary absence. “(.noos retteb sleef ehs epoh I -hO)” the ink blot received a quite murmur of thanks in response.

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Floor 1 had gone as smooth as butter with the machines getting done swiftly. Vee had snagged the first of course with Shelly happily following along to give her first cheer of the run to the robot she adored so much, really, the ammonite was not subtle. The second machine was taken by Connie while Ginger and Astro finished the last two while Pebble ran circles with Twisted Boxten and Twisted Teagan. Once again the toons piled into the elevator with Pebble being the last one in after Shelly did a headcount and called the pet rock back with an annoucement of “Everyone’s at the elevator!”.

Floor 2.

At the start of the floor Connie slowly floated over to Gigi “Heyy girl~” placing her hands on the gachapon’s shoulders only for Gigi to turn around almost instantly and shove her back with a loud unexpected yelp. The ghost paused- not just because Vee who was behind the two gave her an annoyed look as if she was causing trouble on purpose or because Astro tilted his head with a worried glance but because Gigi had never reacted in such a way before. “Sorry- I just didn’t expect that. Your hands are cold!” the gambler tried to play it off as if Connie’s cold touch was actually bothersome at all- when it wasn’t due to the sweater she always wore.

Now that Connie had seen Gigi’s face up close she realized how tired the gachapon looked.
Something wasn’t right.

Connie didn’t get any machines that floor - instead she simply floated around feeling awkward. Was that the feeling? She wasn’t sure but the ghost was thinking a lot more now about Gigi’s recent absence from runs and from the eyes of other toons in general.

She almost didn’t hear Ginger when the healer told her to get to the elevator as Vee finished the last machine of the floor. Wait- Ginger- she had said in the elevator that Bobette was sick with a fever so maybe that was it? Maybe Gigi had also been sick recently but.. when the gachapon had been sick before she didn’t stay away, hell, she’d beg Connie or Flutter to keep her company of course pouting when Tisha or Sprout told the gambler’s best friends to do the opposite so they wouldn’t get sick as well.

₊✩‧₊

More floors.
More machines.

Eventually the group of eight had descended all the way down to floor seventeen, of course with some trial and error along with two close calls. The first one had been Pebble nearly dying in a blackout with his twisted counterpart looming over him the entire time, thank the stars Blot had rushed in to take the other twisteds at the beginning of the floor as he had quickly assessed just how tough this one would be and that Ginger stayed near Pebble to heal more than once that floor. The second was Shelly nearly dying to twisted Goob after deliberately shoving Vee out of the way of the twisted craft brother’s grasp and being pulled instead.

They had begun to argue or at least Vee had started the argument not that she meant to start one and now they weren’t talking to one another ever since they got back in the elevator. It had started with Shelly saying she knew it was going to be okay but Vee had rejected that saying she didn’t want the fossil to take a hit for her even if Shelly ‘knew’ she would survive. Of course at the start of the next floor the TV’s antenna drooped as Shelly walked away looking hurt from the argument. Astro simply patted her on the back but frowned as she dismissed him and walked away-heading for a machine.

Vee sometimes had trouble communicating.
Had trouble expressing herself especially outside of the so-called pompous and ‘better than you’ personality she seemed to display most of the time. But Connie was not interested in the relationship drama as much as she occasionally liked gossip.

She had her own concerns right now anyway. When almost all the machines of this floor were done she caught Gigi in the corner of her eye before calling Ginger over. “Hey! Ginger wanna take this one? I don’t think you’ve gotten a machine this floor.” the holiday toon accepted the offer with a smile as thanks before Connie made her way over to her friend.

“Gigi. You’ve been real quiet, girl.” Connie’s voice lacked any snark, hell- it lacked some confidence too. Gigi’s silence throughout the floors, her minimal interactions with the other toons… especially her so called best friend? It had been getting under her skin more and more in a way that made her feel bad. “You feeling alright? I haven’t even seen you lately until today..”

As Gigi still had her back turned to the ghost her eyes caught sight of something. A bruise- no a bite mark on the gachapon’s neck. “Gigi…?” they were alone in this corner of the map as the gambler finally faced Connie and even let the ghost pull the collar of her sweater down slightly- exposing some bruises.

Connie was her best friend and Gigi trusted her. She hadn’t wanted to let anyone even begin to find out but fuck that noise because she needed someone so badly. Gigi proceeded to quietly sob into Connie’s chest making sure all her tears were gone before they returned to the elevator as the ghost’s face fell.

At the next intermission Connie argued with Dandy to send them all back up. There wasn’t much protest surprisingly but maybe that was because Ginger and Astro (a brief glance being exchanged between the flower and the other man.) were exhausted- having been run ragged the last few floors keeping everyone’s stamina and health in check. Shelly wanted to be alone right now anyway and everyone else didn’t have an objection so it worked in Connie’s favor.

But where the hell does she go from this?

Notes:

Going to go ahead and saying this.

If you fetishize and/or glorify rape I really don’t want you here and while I obviously cannot stop you from reading this I am making it clear I am uncomfortable with people who do such.

I also want to say my heart goes out to anyone who has gone through something like Gigi has in this story. You are strong and I wish the best for you, you’re not alone.

Chapter 2: ✩ Goodnight.

Summary:

As the night settles in after the run - Connie does her best to let Gigi take comfort in her room. It’s okay if she doesn’t want to talk about it yet- she just wants her to get some rest.

She looked so exhausted during the run.
Some other stuff happens before that though.

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The toons’ departure from the elevator was quick. Blot briefly petting Pebble before hurrying on over to Looey and Yatta who had been waiting for him in the lobby upon noticing that the elevator was returning ascending up early. Ginger quietly but kindly thanked everyone for not minding her joining on such short notice and received thanks from just about everyone else for her work as the healer before she headed straight for the elevator opposite of the one they had all just exited, she was likely going straight to Bobette’s room to check in on her girlfriend.

Shelly and Vee didn’t say a word to each-other and the ammonite left before the robot could, Pebble in her arms after Dandy gave the archeologist the ‘okay’ to pet sit for him. Vee’s antenna drooping as she muttered something to Astro before he nodded with an unspoken promise to drop by her room later and talk one on one- he already knew Ginger was likely going to send Tisha Shelly’s way.

But for now Astro would hang back at the elevator with Dandy and talk as they usually did after a run that Astro participated in. While some other toons may now see Dandy as the big bad or perhaps even evil.. Astro knew his boyfriend better than that or at least he’d like to think so. No- Dandy wasn’t evil but he of course did acknowledge the gray area in his other half’s morality.

“Do you remember when Astro’s Dream Land first aired?” Dandy hummed- elbows propped up on the counter of his shop as he rested his chin in his hands. He liked to reminisce when he could- maybe even more than the other toons did or so he thought. Astro gave a smile - although it was a tired one and tilted his head. “I don’t recall all of it..” he softly responded as if the episode hadn’t revolved around just the two of them with his name in the title. “Care to remind me?”

Dandy’s eyes lit up in a way that was really only ever seen by his better half.

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Ginger met Tisha in the doorway of Bobette’s room. The shy toon’s explanation was short and quiet but gave away what had happened between the ammonite and robot around the end of the run - Tisha merely nodded and went on her way with every intention of heading straight to Shelly’s room to discuss things with the fossil herself- she still didn’t like Vee much but she accepted that the robot made her closest and dearest friend happy even if their relationship had its moments. But didn’t any couple? Maybe it just gets under her skin somewhat more easily because it’s Vee.

The cookie toon quickly made her way over to the bedside and leaned down to place a kiss on Bobette’s cheek with a soft expression. “Bobette- I’m back early. Are you feeling any better? Has your tempature gone down?” the ornament nodded slightly before unexpectedly pulling her girlfriend into bed and under the covers to cuddle.

“Ginger!! …The run wasn’t too much trouble was it?” Even when sick it seemed Bobette was still affectionate and caring as ever- not that Ginger minds! In fact the usually shy toon giggles as she gets comfortable and nuzzles her face into her girlfriend’s shoulder with a sigh. “I’ll take this as a sign you’re beginning to feel better… I’m glad and no, it wasn’t too much trouble but let’s focus on you again. Okay, dear?”

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Connie’s room didn’t have a whole lot if a certain conversation she had with Tisha didn’t already give that away. But it wasn’t barren and it certainly wasn’t unfamiliar to Gigi as she stepped inside with a soft click of the door as it was closed by Connie who then floated over to her side and gently took her hands - leading her over to the bed. “I’m not tired.” Gigi lies through her teeth. “Gigi.” Connie’s tone is serious. A rare occurrence for the ghost but it’s not harsh. “Please.” Her voice softens quickly. “If you for some reason don’t feel comfortable sleeping in your own room or by yourself.. you can sleep in my room.”

Just those words and the ghost’s cold but gentle touch as she rubs circles on the gambler’s back are enough to make Gigi fold and crawl weakly into the bed before settling under the covers. “What about you?” the gachapon mutters. “I can sleep on the couch, girl! Crashing on my own couch isn’t that big of a difference compared to sleeping in my own bed.” so that’s just what she does.

It’s only a few minutes after getting comfortable on the couch that the ghost hears Gigi snoring having been exhausted despite her little failed attempt at lying. Connie, however, cannot sleep yet and her mind drifts to the conversation they had on the way to her room after exiting the elevator.

“Gigi…what happened-“ the gachapon glares daggers into Connie’s eyes only for her gaze to twist into one of pain. “I-I don’t wanna talk about it yet Connie..please.” she chokes the last word out as if she was going to cry and so the specter rapidly nods. “Yeah- Yeah- you don’t have to yet… it’s ok.” Connie clutches at her shirt and inhales sharply through clenched teeth as if in physical pain. Maybe she is in pain- seeing Gigi. Seeing her mischievous, energetic and cool best friend so tired and not herself is a harsh blow to her heart. Now aware Gigi had been hurt but in what way?

Connie bites down on her fist as she thinks one single thought- that being ‘Why didn’t I check on her myself before Astro’s run.’ Her only solace right now is Gigi’s quiet snoring as odd as that may be.

Chapter 3: ✩ Good Morning.

Summary:

Astro talks with Vee or at least tries to as Connie grabs breakfast.

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Gigi had gotten the first comfortable and solid sleep she’d had in days- the only bad part about it was waking up, well, at least she was in Connie’s room. She was safe in there. Safe with Connie. Speaking of the ghost.. the gachapon had noticed the other wasn’t on the couch when she awoke- Connie had probably gone to get breakfast for the both of them from the kitchen so she wouldn’t be gone for too long. Gigi took a few shaky breaths ignoring the little remaining pain she had in her shoulders and down below - then her eyes fell upon the edge of the bed where one of Connie’s shirts was lazily half-folded. She didn’t know what exactly came over her but she took it and held it close.

It smelled just like the ghost. Connie smelled slightly of tobacco but also a floral fragrance (Ghosts and their odd biology or whatever. Something like that.) and it was comforting - at least to Gigi it was comforting. Her eyes felt heavy again and she drifted back off to sleep once more with her face nuzzled into the piece of clothing like a comfort object. If Gigi pretended hard enough it was like Connie was actually right next to her.

It was fine- they were best friends. Gigi had even loaned a hoodie to the specter before so what was any issue with her snatching one of Connie’s shirts. Plus wasn’t it normal for someone to seek comfort in things belonging to the only person they wanted to be around right now?

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Vee sat at one of the tables in the kitchen - her antenna drooped as she rested her head on the table with the robot version of sad puppy eyes. She still felt bad about the way she and Shelly had argued the other day and Astro, the goddamn saint (at least in her eyes occasionally.) and good friend he was had joined her at the table to talk. “Oh- Vee- I’m sure it will work out.. “ he hummed softly extending a hand to pat her back gently as she sighed. “Shelly most definitely understands you wanted her to care about herself a little more.. but the way you approached it may not have been the best.” Vee’s gaze flickered up to Astro in acknowledgment.

Unfortunately the nice moment between friends was interrupted by Connie who floated over the two with a smirk. “Aww- yeah, listen to moon boy! You two are so cute together.. you’ve gotta make it work!!” Vee glared at the ghost then trying to smack her with her microphone tail- of course failing when Connie used that ability of hers. “Ok, ok, still too early to tease! Got it.” the ghost made her way past them as Astro began speaking again, this time a bit more quietly so no one else picked up on it. Connie needed to do what she came here for anyway- to grab herself and Gigi breakfast. Also- at least she managed to keep most of her usual energy despite the worries that still plagued her mind from the night before.

On the way out Astro stopped her but what he said was… vague somewhat as he didn’t elaborate on what it was he wanted to talk with her about later simply just saying. “Connie- When you have the time today or whenever, really.. I’d like to talk to you.” she just nodded and continued on her way.

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The ghost returned to her room - shutting the door behind her as quietly as possible before her eyes turned to the bed where Gigi was still contently asleep and- holding one of her shirts close? Connie shook her head with a slight snicker, chalking it up to the gachapon randomly grabbing it in her sleep and placed everything she had gotten from the kitchen down on the coffee table in front of her couch before slowly floating over to Gigi. She hesitated for a moment because the kleptomaniac looked so content compared to the other day but a toon needed to eat!

“Gigiiii- hey.. time to wake up.”

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Chapter 4: ✩ Apologies & Burdened Dreams.

Summary:

Vee talks with Shelly and Astro talks to Connie.

Notes:

Please be aware! Implied non-con in this chapter but nothing detailed or explicit.

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“Tisha..really- you’re a good friend and I’m lucky to have you.” Shelly sniffled as she wiped her eyes with a half-hearted giggle the maid nodding and smiling in return. “I’m just as lucky to have you Shelly. If you need anything else do let me know. Won’t you?” The fossil gave a quick nod as Tisha left her room. She had stopped by Shelly’s room once more after the previous night just to check on her which was clearly appreciated greatly.

₊✩‧₊

Vee stood with Astro at the elevator the robot’s hands a bit shaky as held a box of chocolates Astro had totally not swiped from Dandy’s stash for his shop. “What.. if she doesn’t want to talk? Or she thinks that I think I’m trying to buy her forgiveness with a gift?” Vee’s voice had a weakness to it that she hated showing around anyone else aside from the moon, lamp and of course her beloved ammonite. “Vee.” Astro chuckles. “It’s going to be okay in fact this is just what she needs probably even wants. To see you and hear from you.. it’s going to go just fine. Remember that in a relationship- especially when things like this happen… that communication is key.”

Vee’s antenna twitched slightly before she smirked slightly getting most of her confidence back due to Astro’s reassurance. “You would know that from experience?” He hurried her into the elevator while completely avoiding the subject (or trying to.) and insisting that this was all about her and Shelly.

₊✩‧₊

As the elevator came to a halt and opened Vee was met with the all too familiar sight of Shelly’s floor which by know she knew like the back of her own motherboard- or back of her own hand if that was easier to understand. “Sh-Shelly?” The robot called out before quietly walking into the room that had the beanbag cushions and a projector that constantly replayed an episode focusing on just the shell and her escapades in digging up fossils. “Vee—?!” Shelly shot up from where she was curled up on one of the beanbags with a certain light returning to her eyes.

Maybe she hadn’t expected to see Vee again so soon especially right after Breakfast. A little later? Sure because the robot was a busy toon. Vee held the box of sweets with one hand- nervously adjusting her bowtie with the other. “I wanted to apologize for the other night when I yelled at you during Astro’s run…” she took a deep mechanical breath- allowing herself to be vulnerable like this was still something she was working on. “I know that I often struggle to express my emotions or understand emotions. I can come off a way I don’t mean to which is exactly what I did. I was worried for you- I wanted you to look out for yourself more because I care about you.”

Vee came to a pause as she noticed Shelly’s eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape. “Oh- Vee…” the fossil sniffled before getting up and practically throwing herself at the robot who stumbled a little but managed to stay upright. “It’s ok!! Really- I’m sorry too..” but for what she wasn’t sure and the gameshow hostess voiced that herself.

Vee was relieved though. Maybe in the moment during the run it seemed worse because of the stress everyone had been dealing with from the danger of higher floors. “Um.. I brought you a gift too. I thought you might enjoy some chocolates while telling me about your dinosaur facts.” Shelly tilted her head slightly. “I thought you knew them all… unless.” She paused.

“Vee—! Did you purposely delete your data of them just so you could learn them again but from me?” Shelly’s eyes were wide once more but her tail had begun to wag now as she snatched the box of chocolates from the robot.

“….What if I did?” Vee merely smirked.

₊✩‧₊

 

Connie leaned on the wall outside her room as Astro waved to her before making his way over with a slight smile. “You said you wanted to talk and like.. I’m not doing shit today not even planning to go on any runs.” the ghost tried to sound nonchalant when in reality any plans she could’ve potentially had were thrown to the wind in favor of keeping close to Gigi.

Astro shifted uncomfortably- his extra set of arms grabbing at one another under his blanket. “Connie.” He started. Astro was only telling her because the specter and gambler were so close. “Gigi had a dream a few nights ago and… “ he continued on- explaining what he had saw in the gachapon’s dream. A looming shadow over the red toon it was one she cowered beneath and couldn’t stand to look at. “I’m not sure what it is that has been plaguing her dreams.. I obviously cannot know everything but I’m glad she has her best friend there for her. You’re a good toon, Connie.”

But Astro perhaps did in fact know what but he didn’t want to believe it and maybe he did not want to even think another toon could even do something so cruel to another. “…I see.” Connie swallowed a lump her in throat she didn’t even know she had. The bruises and the way Gigi had reacted when touched without warning on that one floor.. now this. It all lined up with something that made her stomach churn. “Thanks. I’ll make sure she’s back to her old self in no time! She probably just needs a little more rest and that’s what I was helping her get.”

Once Astro is gone Connie phases through her bedroom door and looks at Gigi who is lounging on her couch idly swinging her legs side to side. “Oh!! Connie who were ya talking to?” the ghost bit her lip at first but spoke. “Astro.” Gigi’s face fell and in that moment she knew from the look in Connie’s eyes that Connie now knew.

Gigi shrunk back against the couch as if she could possibly disappear by doing so- she knew Astro had no ill intentions by revealing her bad dreams to Connie but at the same time.. why? The last thing she wanted was her best friend thinking she’s disgusting. The gachapon had already been planning some totally believable cover up story for why she had been the way she was lately but that was useless now. “Mewehe…” the red toon weakly giggled and why? She didn’t know.

She braced herself and looked at Connie- expecting disgust, she was dirty after all. She was gross and the ghost probably didn’t want her here anymore. Or perhaps maybe even anger instead of disgust but instead she was met with the ghost getting close before hesitantly reaching a hand out to her. “Gigi-“ she paused. “…Is it okay if I hug you?” a single weak nod and Connie’s arms are wrapped around her friend tightly. “Gigi- I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.. you didn’t deserve that. Nobody does.”

Sorry? Gigi had expected disgusted or anger but she had never even begun to consider genuine sorrow or even love. “Ghh…” she chokes back a sob only to let the waterworks go as the specter encourages her to do so letting the other get it all out once and for all. “Waaaaah!!” the smaller toon’s cries are violent at first and wrack her whole body leaving her trembling but eventually she’s reduced to quiet sniffles and whimpers.

“It’s okay… I’m here and you’re going to get through this. Okay? Look at me.” Connie gently brings her hands to Gigi’s face and lifts her head so their eyes meet. “I promise. You’re my best friend and I won’t let you go through this alone.” a small smile tugs at her lips to truly show she’s genuine.

“Y-Yeah…” Gigi shudders slightly and places her own hands on Connie’s. “You know..you may act all snarky and shit but you’re a sweetheart.” she then manages a weak laugh and at least this one is genuine. Yeah- maybe she actually will be okay.

“Q-Quit it! I’m just doing what’s right..“ Connie sputters in embarrassment.

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Notes:

I’m not sure what’s possessing me but I haven’t made a fanfic this long in a while. There also might be a small delay between this chapter and the next but we’ll see.

Chapter 5: ✩ It Gets A Little Worse Before It Gets Better.

Summary:

But that doesn’t mean you’re weak.

Notes:

Implied non-con again this chapter but there is still nothing explicit or detailed.

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“Mommy! Mommy! Please can I have one more bedtime story?” Toodles begged as she jumped on her bed despite having been told again and again not to do so. You would think a bedtime story would make a child tired and ready for bed but that seemed to be the opposite, of course Teagan relented and with a small chuckle motioned for the little girl to sit down which she did. “Alright. One more but then you have to go to bed, dear. It’s very late and Rodger told me you’ve been trying to stay up past your bedtime recently!” The tea-cup hummed taking one of the colorful books from the shelf near Toodles’ bed and opened it beginning to read aloud.

Toodles’ face lit up as she got comfortable and listened carefully. She always preferred the toon who had become another parental figure in her life to read her bedtime stories as while Rodger didn’t do it badly he didn’t do the funny voices that Teagan did! But the detective probably knew that- he wasn’t too hurt though or at least he did well to hide it from the eight-ball he had come to view as a daughter.

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Gigi had been doing somewhat better the last few weeks. It made things a little easier to not handle this all on her own but she had her moments- unfortunately tonight was going to be one of those moments. The gambler had fallen asleep a lot earlier than usual! Gigi had been exhausted from a day of chilling with Connie, gossiping with Flutter and pranking Vee. Also she was likely going to help out with a run in the next day or two so better use her free time to lounge around while she can! Unfortunately the gachapon’s sleep was ruined by her own mind, her own memories and with a heart wrenching shriek she shot up in her bed- vision blurred with tears.

Gigi’s first and only instinct is to curl up into a fetal position as her entire body shakes. Another loud cry rips through her vocal cords and exits her mouth despite her effort to keep it buried in her throat. “No- No-“ just breathing is suddenly sharp and painful. “I don’t want to. It hurts.” She’s talking to nobody but herself because it felt real and she could feel their hands on her once more. Fuck- just fuck! She had finally started to do a little better and now this has to happen because she can’t just suck it up like a brave toon and get over it.

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A loud shriek from a nearby room causes Teagan to drop the book she had been reading from. “Toodles, dear. Stay right here.. ok?” She can tell the child is worried but she quickly reassures her someone probably just saw a spider or got frightened by another one of Connie’s pranks which Toodles is quick to believe. With a swift exit from her daughter’s room the teacup quickly makes her way down the hall to another room- one which belongs to a certain kleptomaniac. “Gigi? Honey? Is everything alright in there?” Teagan knocks on the door gently despite her own intuition (call it a mother’s one.) telling her there’s no need to ask because the answer is obvious.

Inside the room Gigi’s eyes squeeze shut- Teagan. For a moment the gambler had forgotten she lived on the same floor as Toodles and only feels worse now because she probably scared the poor kid and upset Teagan. “Go away…please.” Her voice is barely loud enough to be heard outside by the other woman who simply sighs. “Gigi… sweetie-“ unfortunately the benevolent and motherly toon is cut off by a tug on her nightgown.. Toodles had ended up following after her because of course she had.

“Is something wrong with Gigi?” The eight ball frowns. “I can help!! Just like I do when I go on runs!! I want to help!!” Toodles could go back to her room but an idea comes to mind and so Teagan kneels down for a moment placing a hand atop the little toon’s head. “Alright. Do you think you can go get Connie? That’s how you can help.” In an instant Toodles speeds off cheerfully saying something along the lines of “I’m helping!! Yay!!”

With that Teagan’s attention is back on the door with a gloved hand nervously hovering over the doorknob. While she could stay on the other side of the door she does not want to even if she trusts Toodles to not get distracted and get the ghost here quickly.

₊✩‧₊

“Alright- kiddo. Back in your room and I’ll send your mom back over here real soon so just like do a puzzle or something in the meantime?” Connie ushers Toodles back into her room before closing the door and quickly floating over to Gigi’s room not even bothering to open it as she phases through the door only for her face to fall as sees Teagan sitting on the side of the bed holding Gigi’s head in her lap with one hand and using the other to rub circles on the trembling toon’s back. “Shhh.. it’s okay, sweetie. You’re safe.” Teagan looks up at the ghost noticing her arrival and sighs softly. “..Connie’s here now- see? I had Toodles go get her.”

The specter closes the distance in a near instant cupping Gigi’s face with her hands. “Gigi? Girl? Hey… talk to me!” Connie gently rubs the side of her face wiping away more tears that are rolling down the gambler’s face. Teagan only makes her leave once the ghost is settled under the covers with the other toon and Gigi is no longer in tears. “Thank you.” Connie quietly murmurs and Teagan merely nods with a gentle smile.

A few minutes of silence pass between the two before Gigi talks. “I was starting to do so well Connie..I’m such a damn crybaby.” the ghost holds her face and a small frown tugs at her lips. “Hey.. hey.. don’t say that. Gigi you can’t expect yourself to just suddenly get over it and that’s perfectly fine. It’s gonna be okay eventually.” Gigi’s face suddenly feels a little warm as Connie continues to speak. “Also.. you’re not a crybaby not in a million years. You’re my sneaky, mischievous, funny and totally cute best friend!!” Connie snickers hoping to cheer her up a bit.

“C-Connie…” Gigi whispers. “Hm?” the ghost hums. “Nothing. Thanks for y’know…comforting me and stuff again.” the gachapon smiles before closing her eyes and sighing. “You still on to prank Cosmo with me tomorrow?”

₊✩‧₊

Notes:

Rodger & Teagan aren’t together but they share custody of Toodles or whatever the toon equivalent is.

Chapter 6: ✩ Fic Update. ✩

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Hello! Wanted to say thanks for over 400 hits and nearly 50 kudos <3. We’re also finally getting to the actual GhostCapsule content in this if any of you are really looking forward to that part specifically.

The next chapter will be posted within the next few days most likely but before that there will be a second work connected to this one mainly involving Vee and Tisha.

Have a good day/night, drink some water and get some rest! ✩ ✩ ✩

Chapter 7: ✩ Darling, You're My Best Friend.

Summary:

Connie thinks about a certain someone.

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Connie laid in bed bored yet again but since it was the very early hours of the morning she didn’t exactly have much to do. Pranking someone with a little scare if they were out and about this early? Nope- it was too risky and after last week she didn’t want anymore noise complaints sent her way for making someone, especially Boxten scream. Maybe hang out with one of her friends? They were probably asleep.

Even Gigi! Speaking of Gigi.. it wasn’t just ideas on what to do that were on the ghost’s mind. The red toon herself was on Connie's mind as well! But this wasn’t new even before, well, recent events- Gigi often plagued her mind even when they weren’t spending time together. Sure they’re best friends but sometimes Connie wondered if the way she thought or felt about the other toon sometimes was normal.

She could feel her heart begin to pound against her chest in a familiar way now. Connie liked Gigi maybe more than ‘just a best friend’ should. Connie especially liked certain things about her. Gigi’s silly but cute laugh and the way her eyes lit up whenever she found something cool to keep for herself or gambled something like a Medkit or BOC when she really needed it during a run.

A small smile tugged at Connie’s lips as she crossed her hands over her chest with a sigh. The way she and Gigi seemed to just have clicked the moment they first met all those years ago before Gardenview closed and became friends on the spot. Gigi was also one of the first toons to support her change in name.

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“Gigi..” Connie sighed. “Halloween's gonna be over soon I’ll have to go back with the others.” Gigi hummed in acknowledgment (maybe with a small hint of sadness in her eyes) but tilted her head when she noticed it seemed like the ghost wanted to say something else. “Actually scratch that- I’ve been thinking again and.. um. Can you like.. try calling me Connie?” Gigi looked her up and down before smiling. “Connie? Of course girl!! I like it!” She leaned in maybe a bit closer than Connie expected and brushed the ghost’s hair aside with her sleeve. “Connie. Connie. Connie!” Gigi repeated with a smile. “I think it suits you. Mwehehe…” wait- “Gigi!! Give me my necklace back, how did you even?!”

One day she got news no other seasonal toon had ever received. Connie was popular, so popular in fact she had been told she’d be sticking around all year now. She could remember Gigi’s reaction so vividly. The gachapon’s eyes were wide as she practically threw herself into the ghost’s arms Connie stumbled back a little but caught her. “Connie!! Connie! Mewehe! This totally rocks.. we can talk or hangout or just do whatever whenever we want now!”

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Sure other toons had been happy for her. But how come when it was Gigi it made her usually cold body heat up? Maybe just maybe both her and Gigi had stared into each other's eyes for a bit too long when the kleptomaniac looked up at her too. Connie had thought before that maybe she was in love with Gigi but she was so unsure because the last thing she wants to do is ruin what they already have and now? More than ever is she unsure because of the thought of potentially Gigi uncomfortable when she’s been struggling already.

As she pulls herself out of her memories she sighs and rolls onto her stomach hugging her pillow and trying to cool off her now warm face. “Gigi…” in the end she can’t deny it. Connie loves her, cares for her and wants what’s best for her yet not knowing she’s what’s best for Gigi. Not knowing Gigi would reciprocate happily.

Dumbass.

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Notes:

Sorry for the delay! I intended to have this chapter out sooner.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of ₊✩‧₊ Affliction ₊✩‧₊