Pizzahead hums to himself as he strolls around the tower, idly catching the looks of his workers out of the corner of his vision. It’s a lovely feeling, knowing that someone’s eyes are transfixed on his wobbling hips at all times. They know better than to mention this though, Pizzahead has always had a more uncanny side to him when it feels like rearing its ugly head, and despite how vulnerable and shy he is around Fake Peppino, the same is certainly not true for everyone else. 


        His heart beats faster as he reaches the slums, and he fidgets slightly as he gets closer to Fake Peppino’s restaurant. He decided to doll himself up today, sporting a red dress with striped red and white tights, along with his regular gloves and some darling red slippers. 


        “Oh Feppino!~”

        He knocks on the door happily, leaning forward while leaning on one leg, the other behind him, bent in the air. The door, in return, swings open, Pizzahead’s eyes meeting Fake Peppino’s own as they welcome him in a warm embrace, purring and croaking as they nuzzle their head into Pizzahead’s shoulder, mustache tickling his pudgy neck. 


        “Pizzaaaaa pieeeeee….~” 


        Fake Peppino picks up the chubby humanoid and places him on a stool, pulling up one for themself as they sit across from him at one of the tables. Their eyes droop happily as they sigh, slumped slightly as they cup their cheeks with their hands, elbows pressed against the table as they look at Pizzahead with a loving expression. 


        Despite how long the two have known each other now, they still aren’t quite sure what they are. They’ve been spending more and more time together since their first meeting, and it was obvious that there was something going on between the two- if the physical effects of Feppino’s affections were anything to go by- but what that was, exactly, neither of them knew. 


        Pizzahead couldn’t stop thinking about Fake Peppino, the vulnerability of all their meetings, how the creature made him feel. He was so used to being in control of everything, he had never been so open with someone before meeting them, and they made him so, so happy. He loved their terrifying demeanor, instead of being scared it made him feel very safe, and a bit flustered. They weren’t completely scary either, he saw them as more curious and whimsical. When he thought about them, his heart fluttered, and his smile grew fuller.


        Fake Peppino had never felt such feelings for another creature, something about Pizzahead had sparked something in them. He had such a cute smile, and kissable cheeks. They loved his appetite and how much he loved their food. They constantly craved to fill him up…make him rounder…fuller. The thought made them giddy! 


        Pizzahead taps his fingers against the tabletop anxiously, a red hue spreading across his face as he looks at Fake Peppino. A nervous chuckle escapes his lips as the two sit in silence. Eventually, having enough, he sits up, using his arms to scoop Fake Peppino up this time, who squeaks in surprise as they are lifted off of the ground, frog-like legs bent awkwardly as they look at Pizzahead with a confused, yet intrigued expression, a small chirp escaping their throat. 


        “Feppino I-”


        “Mmmmmhmnmn?~” 


        Pizzahead mumbles to himself, looking away, unable to find the proper words. 


        “I think I-”


        “Yeeeaaaahhhh?~”


        Pizzahead smiles nervously, lips vibrating like a sine wave. His eyes are dilated, flickering about as he tugs at the neckpiece of his dress, cradling Fake Peppino in one arm. He’s trying so hard not to stare, mind racing with his thoughts of just how badly he wants them. But…is he ready to admit that? His breath is hitched, he’s never done this before. He’s not sure he even knows how to admit his feelings. Would it be odd of him to do so? What if the mimic doesn’t feel the same way? He doesn’t want to ruin the relationship with his feelings. 


        But…if he doesn’t, what does that leave him with? If he doesn’t, he’ll never know how Fake Peppino feels. Is it really worth it to keep these feelings inside forever? Sure, maybe Fake Peppino doesn’t feel the same way but…at least he’ll know, at least he’ll have closure. 


        It's like a heartache, rhythmic bumps pressing against his chest the longer the silence drones on, it’s deafening. His anxiety is spiking, the cheese on his face drips as he shivers. He can feel tears welling in his eyes, growing larger before dripping down his pudgy face. He sniffles and blubbers, burying his face against Fake Peppino’s chest. His grip is tight, fingers digging into Fake Peppino’s back. They’re both tense, Pizzahead can’t take it anymore, and Fake Peppino is no longer relaxed in his arms. 


        “Pizzzzaaa pie? What wrong?” Fake Peppino’s voice is filled with concern, they gently lift Pizzahead’s face from them, cupping his cheeks in their hands. “Tell Feppino, promise won’t judge.” 


        Pizzahead tries to speak, but is unable to, only able to let out a small whimper despite his best efforts. 


        “Is pizza pie okay? Feppino’s pizza pieeeee….~?” They brush their nose against Pizzahead’s, before placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. Under normal circumstances, that would have driven Pizzahead mad, but his mind barely registers the gesture as he continues to sob quietly into Fake Peppino’s hands. 


        Fake Peppino’s expression falters a bit, a small frown forming on their face. “Did…did Feppino do something wrong?” they ask. “Oh no…does pizza pie not like Feppino? Did Feppino take things too far?” 


        “No!” Pizzahead manages to croak out, his voice is strained, but his eyes are bright and full of life. “Fake Peppino…I-” he takes a deep breath, “I love you Fake Peppino. I love you so much. I just… never knew how to say it.” He cradles them once more, reaching out his other hand to hold one of Feppino’s own. 


        “I love you so much…” he continues, rubbing a thumb over the top of Fake Peppino’s hand. “You’re sweet, funny, and attractive, too. I’ve never…been one for love. I never knew what it felt like until I met you, so I didn’t know how to say it. But…I do, I really do love you. W-whenever I’m away from you…I can’t get you out of my head. Ti amo, ti amo…” 


        “Love…love pizza pie too….”


        Fake Peppino chitters, wiping away Pizzahead’s tears with their free hand. They inch closer to Pizzahead, leaning forward to wrap their arms over his shoulders like a sloth. They bury their face into the crook of his neck once more, purring and blushing. Pizzahead reciprocates the affection, nuzzling them back. 


        “Thank you…”