Flash Fiction February 2026 Day Fifteen: Just Pretend (Fyr)

 Flash Fiction February 2026 Prompt: Pretend (two enemies must act as though they are on the same side) 

Well this is just great, teaming up with one of the people I loathe most in the world. Of course it had to work out this way, just my luck. “Just so you’re aware this isn’t forgiveness for the whole mechanical invasion thing.” I’m given only a silent shrug in return. “You know, I liked you a lot more before you got all holier-than-thou and refused to see me.” Another silent shrug. “Oh please, it used to be impossible to get you to shut up! Won’t you at least say something?” A pause in our walk through the gardens, which are at least quite nice, that’s been a skill kept up. “Something.” A quiet, monotone, almost mechanical voice says. “You cheeky bastard if only I were taller I’d strangle you myself” a glance downward “And yet, you are not.” The swift pace of walking is picked up again without effort. “Beneath that icy exterior I know you still have feelings. You’ve always been good at playing pretend.” Again we stop, and a long thin arm gestures to the beautiful gardens, with their flowing little waterfalls and fish ponds, and in the distance a wooden pagoda stands. It is a tranquil paradise in many ways. “Perhaps you’re right, old friend. I have always been good at pretending. Perhaps even all of this is just pretend. A perfect, make believe world, away from all the rest of the noise and the chaos. Like living in a bubble.” In a way it is a methodically engineered little bubble. “Well, pretend or otherwise, will you help me save the real world this time or not?” Finally, a tiny second of eye contact. “I would be honored to do so.”