Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tenna honest to Heaven really doesn't recognize him at first.

But can anyone really blame him? He's got a lot on his mind. The Lightners, as well as his whole crew, are only moments away from completely abandoning him. Tenna just knows. Knows that his time is running out. It's been running out for a while now. He just didn't want to face the reality of his situation. 

Now he's spiralling, screen flickering as he holds his TV head between his hands. Tenna is truly at his lowest. It's been years since he's felt this kind of panic crawl its way up his metallic spine. For once, the pipis he holds dear to his heart doesn't comfort him, only serving as a bitter reminder for what once was. It sits there almost taunting him. A memory turned sour.

A crushing sense of desperation overwhelms him. Through a static sob, Tenna murmurs: "I'm at my limit. If only anyone was here for me....."

And, unable to help himself-

"I'd even take that little mailman....."

It's said in a moment of vulnerability. After all, Tenna assumes that he's completely alone in the abandoned hallway. But almost as soon as the confession leaves his voice box, something starts to move in the corner of his vision. Tenna watches bewildered as a pair of.....floating glasses appear from Heaven knows where. He's frozen in place, still on the floor like some pathetic bug, antennas rigid with fright. Tenna's lips subconsciously mouth around a swear but no sound comes out. The TV has become so hyper aware of the censors that he honestly doesn't even remember how to cuss anymore.

The glasses get uncomfortably close before eventually coming to a halt. The CRT's antennas twitch violently, startled when there's a sudden flash of white. To Tenna's absolute befuddlement, a Darkner(?) pops out of thin air like some kind of Jack in a box. He can only stare. Really, he just can't look away. Tenna can't possibly comprehend this entire thing. It's too bizarre. Like something out of a cartoon he'd put on for Kris. 

The.....thing, whatever it is, throws its hands up in visible delight, a huge grin seemingly stuck on that chalk white face. What Tenna assumes is its voice box crackles strangely as it speaks. 

"[Trash heap]!!!"

Uhm. Rude?

The harsh words feel like being dunked into ice cold water, snapping Tenna out of his trance. Irritation quickly bubbles up to the surface. In just mere seconds, Tenna's forgotten all about why he was breaking down in the first place. Completely distracted by this mean little Darkner that looks way too happy to see him.

The creature barrels on, oblivious to Tenna's annoyance. "YOU KEPT IT!! YOU REALLY DO CARE!!!"

Like switching TV channels, Tenna grows confused instead. What the heck is this thing talking about?

"What the...." He mumbles out loud, slowly getting to his feet, looking down at the little guy disapprovingly. "What the HECK are you??"

He's not even too concerned about the thing's cryptic voice lines, too distracted by how weird it looks. Tenna can't quite place it. Something about this Darkner seems weirdly familiar but also deeply wrong. It's uncanny. Why does it look like that?

"Some kind of rat?" Tenna guesses, tries to make sense of the incomprehensible entity before him. "Some kind of creature?"

A micro expression passes on the creature's face. Its large smile falters just an inch. It gets closer to Tenna, and by extent his dear pipis, automatically triggering a fight response from the large Darkner. Absolutely not.

"DON'T YOU RECOGNIZE-" It doesn't even get the chance to finish its sentence before Tenna freaks out and goes on the offense. He can't help it. Any good father would do this when some weird creature is sliding towards his daughter at an alarming speed.

"STAY AWAY FROM HER, you FIEND!" Tenna demands with what he hopes is a booming voice. While the creature does stop moving, it isn't getting away from the pipis either, which essentially leaves Tenna no other choice but to neutralize the threat.

He produces a can of foam from beneath his suit, bending over to get a good shot at the target. 

This should do. 

Tenna doesn't hesitate to press down. A cloud of foam emerges from the can, slowly but steadily covering the little Darkner in sticky white. Only its pink and yellow glasses remain visible. Satisfied, Tenna tosses the now empty can backwards. He sighs with effort. If he could sweat, he'd surely be drenched by now. Can't even break down in peace anymore nowadays....

Remembering what's important, the TV whips around to scoop up his beloved pipis. "Oh, my little darling!" He coos. "Are you okay??"

"Did that overly small weird unidentifiable thing hurt you?" Tenna murmurs to the pipis, cradling her in his hands. She doesn't react much. Tenna's pretty sure that she's unharmed. Physically, at least. Maybe this whole confrontation has left mental scars on her. He really hopes not.

"Don't worry!" He reassures the pipis. "You're gonna go someplace safe. Somewhere without rats....."

Tenna fully intends on leaving, not especially concerned with the living pile of foam now grumbling to itself. But it's just when he's about to exit the hallway that his antennas pick up on some of the creature's mumblings. One thing in particular makes him stop dead in his tracks.

"[Holy Cungadero!] YOU ARE SUCH A....."

Tenna filters out the garbage noise that might be an attempt at a swear, laser focused on that first voice line. It played for only seconds and yet the line gets immediately stuck on repeat inside his head, like a broken record. Tenna can feel something stir deep within him. His fingers twitch at his sides as he frantically tries to decipher what he's hearing.

Holy Cungadero. Holy Cungadero. Holy Cungadero. Take a ride around town in our special-

"Say that again." Tenna interrupts the Darkner's ongoing rant. 

The creature pauses. It gazes up at Tenna from behind its flashy glasses, hand hovering mid-air from where it's been removing some of the foam. "WHAT?"

"Say that again." The TV host repeats. He wants, no, needs to hear that line again. Needs it more than anything. "That line about the Cungadero."

The Darkner scoffs, turning away from Tenna's intense stare, crossing its arms over its chest. "THIS ISN'T A [free audio samples] YOU KNOW....."

Tenna's lips twitch in frustration. He sub-consciously bares his fangs, unable to mask his increasing desperation to hear the creature repeat itself. "Say it."

It doesn't look too convinced until Tenna takes a threatening step forwards, the bared fangs and claws making it reconsider. The Darkner seems noticeably put off by the suddenly tense atmosphere but does obey. Though not without slicking its jet black hair back and puffing out a sigh like doing this one little thing is a huge inconvenience. The movement is so familiar and reminiscent of him that Tenna can feel his mind short-circuit. 

"FINE, FINE. [Holy Cungadero!] YOU ARE SUCH A-"

This time, the Darkner doesn't even get the chance to repeat its garbage noise. In one swift movement, Tenna has wrapped his hand around the little guy's body and slammed it into the hallway wall. It squeaks, surprised by the sudden assault. Tenna grips the creature tight but holds back just enough. Just enough not to hurt. As if his body remembers exactly how rough he can be. Tenna looks it right in the eyes, looks past the yellow and pink to stare into the frightened gaze of the man in his hold. 

His eyes dart back and forth, desperately attempting to avoid eyecontact. The same way he always did whenever Tenna confronted him. 

"Spamton." Tenna whispers. He hasn't said that name in well over a decade. It sounds like a secret coming from him. 

He can feel his screen go black as Spamton squirms in the grip he has on him. The little salesman tries but to no avail. Tenna has no intentions on letting him go. Not until he's confirmed for sure that this is who he thinks it is. 

It has to be.

His antennas extend a little in order to rub themselves all over Spamton's head and face. The mailman seems flustered at being blatantly smelled. Speaking of which, he absolutely reeks of something Tenna can't possibly begin to identify. The smell should disgust him but there's another scent in there somewhere that makes him completely block out the rest. He remembers that scent all too well. That mixture of cigars, laundry detergent and that sweet cologne every Addison wears. 

Spamton doesn't really look like an Addison anymore. Doesn't look like the big shot Tenna has been losing his mind over. He almost looks like a parody of what he used to be. Someone's poor attempt at a copy. But Tenna knows deep in his heart shaped object that this has to be him. 

He just needs to make sure. 

Tenna leans in close to the man's face. Spamton seizes his wiggling, alarmed by his captor's proximity. A static tongue darts out, finding its way against the salesman's red cheek. Tenna holds Spamton firmly in place as he starts to lick away the remnants of foam, tongue gliding over the familiar yet not quite shape of his old partner's face. Spamton is stiff as a ruler for the first few seconds. Simply lets the onslaught happen. But all too soon he starts to freak out, glitches popping up like ads as his pale face goes completely red. 

Cute. He still gets as red as he used to.  

There's another flash of white. Out of nowhere, Spamton's body slips right from between Tenna's fingers and the glasses clatter to the floor. Tenna's screen remains dimmed as he simply stares down at the offending item. He's so overloaded with information that he doesn't even know where to begin with this. There's a million questions he wants to ask Spamton but there's one in particular that bugs him in this very moment. 

How and why can he turn into glasses now???

Tenna's fans kick on, noisy as the room is filled with the sound of his TV head overheating. He's almost in an off state as static lines run across his screen. Tenna stands there like a statue, trying to process everything. He's so out of it that he doesn't even react when there's footsteps scurrying behind him and hushed whispers. Tenna doesn't even flinch when Kris kneels down right in front of him in order to retrieve the fallen glasses. Their piercing red eyes focus on him for a moment, as if looking right through him, before ultimately turning away and following after their friends. 

Logically, Tenna knows that he should chase them down. He needs to stop the Lightners, keep them busy, fulfill his end of the deal..... 

But SPAMTON.

Tenna is feeling a hurricane of emotions. Rage, joy and confusion all mix themselves into a sickening cocktail of insanity. Tenna is almost worried that his screen might crack with the intensity of his feelings. How do you react when the person you once loved most, who betrayed you, suddenly appears out of nowhere again? What is he supposed to do now? He's spent so many nights awake, crying, sobbing, wondering if he would ever see Spamton again. And now he's back, just like that? 

He looks over at the pipis, listens to her soft chirping sounds. It's the one thing Spamton left for him. Tenna thought he'd never come back. 

And now that he is, Tenna can't just let him leave again. 

Chapter Text

It's hard to stay concentrated. 

Tenna knows he should only think about chasing down the Lightners, to distract them long enough for the Knight to do its thing. But how is he supposed to just stay on task after that mind altering confrontation? How can he just pretend not to notice Spamton. G. Spamton resting comfortably on the bridge of Kris' nose, knowing damn well that he's not just an innocent pair of glasses?? It's impossible to ignore. 

So Tenna doesn't. 

He doesn't verbally call Spamton out. Can't afford a second attempt at a heartfelt reunion right now. Maybe Spamton is still a little mad about the foam. Not like he didn't deserve it, anyways. But Tenna does allow himself to stare, fixing Spamton with a piercing gaze whenever he catches Kris and their friends trying to escape TV world. Actually, Kris was wearing those glasses from the very beginning.....

Darn. That means Spamton heard everything. 

Tenna winces upon the realization. That's....very awkward. That means Spamton also witnessed the minigame where Tenna might've made the kids beat up the giant hand crafted head, modelled after the Spamton he used to know. Hmm. He wonders if it pissed Spamton off or if he was impressed with Tenna's spite-filled dedication to building the ridiculous thing. The TV did spend an admittedly embarrassing amount of time on it. An hour ago he would've laughed in anyone's face for even daring to suggest that he's not quite over Spamton after all these years, but the reality of the situation has now hit him like a freight train. 

Tenna isn't over it. And he won't be until he gets some freaking answers. By force, if necessary.

For the time being he does his very best to make the Lightners stay. At some point it becomes less about the Knight and more about Tenna honestly not being ready to let them go already. The board sections were the most fun he's had in so long. And Susie even told him how much she enjoyed them as well! 

Surely they can stay just a little longer. I can still entertain them. I'm still fun. 

But they must really want to leave, because the tension grows to a boiling point and Susie makes him back off with a well aimed swing of her axe, just barely missing him. Tenna's gaze keeps wandering over to Kris despite his best efforts, though this time it's not to look at Spamton, but at them. That deep rooted anger and grief and sadness he's tried so hard to supress explodes like a volcano erupting. 

"Do you remember it, Kris?" Tenna finds himself speaking without even realizing it. "When everyone came over for the holidays?"

He rattles on, can't help himself. He's always worn his heart on his sleeve. Some part of Tenna hopes that this will make Kris remember. Make them remember how good things used to be. How everything will be better, if they could just stay and watch him. If they could just plug him back in. If they could just make everyone watch him again. 

Tenna doesn't want to be alone. Not again.

But alas, his reminiscing doesn't do any good. Kris remains unmoved by his heartfelt monologue and Susie's starting to get impatient. As usual, he's been doing too much talking. Tenna didn't want to let it get to this point but they leave him no choice. If he has to get physical in order to get what he wants, then so be it. 

"1000 points or bust! Can you do it???" He challenges the heroes, hopes that this will be too difficult even for them. They've shown incredible power and Tenna isn't sure if he can match their energy. But that doesn't mean he won't try. 

He pulls out all the tricks in the book. Minigames, star attacks, gambling, the whole razzle dazzle. Tenna fights with all of his might and somewhere amidst the chaos, a part of him starts to have fun. He's aware of the gravity of the situation but it's hard for him not to enjoy playing games with an engaged audience again. Even if they're not playing out of their free will. Details, details....

The fun comes to an end too soon. Always too soon. Tenna's screen starts to malfunction once the gang reaches 1000 points. He flips through over 60 channels, back and forth, in order to cope with the effects of the devastating loss. The TV cries out in despair. He doesn't know how to accept this defeat. Not when this means losing everything. Again.

He shrinks in size, bites back static tears as he stares down at the snow beneath his feet. Tenna just can't keep an audience for the life of him. He just can't do it, even when everything is at stake. How did he even manage to capture the family's attention for so long in the first place? It feels like his failure was ultimately inevitable. Has Tenna just been post-poning this moment the whole time? Did they plan on abandoning him eventually from the very beginning?

All he ever wanted was to be watched. 

The Darkner among them-Ralsei, was it?-seems to at least somewhat understand his struggles. Maybe not to such an extreme degree, but he offers Tenna some words of consolation. Or attempts at consolation, that is. Tenna isn't too keen on being told that his existence isn't 'real'. He is real. If he was just an object, he wouldn't be feeling like this. Wouldn't be feeling this deep rooted shame. Not only has he proven himself to be a failure to the Lightners, but on top of that his long lost lover is just watching all of this unfold. As usual, he can't even break down in peace....

Susie does a better job, at least. Tenna's heart breaks a little upon listening to her story. But it does help, knowing he's not the only one experiencing this empty, crippling sense of loneliness. She even promises to find him a new home, to find someone who will finally watch him again. Tenna, still easily swayed by promises that aren't set in stone, takes the bait like a starving fish. 

"Susie, you....." Tenna is overwhelmed with a rush of happiness, immediately growing back to his regular size, a red flower sprouting from his nose. "You're INCREDIBLE! You're AMAZING! No....you're MARVELOUS!!!"

He continues to sing her praises, much to Susie's embarrassment. Just a moment ago he was feeling completely hopeless but now things are looking up again. An opportunity for a come-back, a second chance. This feeling of hope is making him feel like a million bucks.

See that, Spamton? I'm still relevant. You'll understand too, soon enough. 

Tenna ignores the nauseating dread crawling up his spine while he goes to get Toriel. He's quite literally going against the Knight's orders but....but surely it will understand. Surely they can come to some kind of compromise or solution. He might not be a pro at making deals like Spamton is but.....Tenna has faith that a happy future awaits him. 

Faith that is crushed within seconds. Tenna can only get a few more words in before a slicing sound cuts through the air and before he knows it, he's staring down at his own two arms, lying motionless in the snow. 

Well.....I could really use a hand right about now. 

It's the last coherent thought Tenna has before his antennas lose all connection and he lands face first in the cold. 

Not quite dead. 

For a moment, Tenna is completely disoriented. He can feel that his screen is only showing white noise, given that that's the sound he hears inside his own head. Tenna isn't doing too good. The cold ache in his arms (arms? He has them again?) doesn't really help either. It takes him a few minutes to come to himself again but at some point Tenna gathers the strength to sit upright and take in his surroundings. 

He's in a cosy but unfamiliar room. In the corner is a couch that's vaguely shaped like him and there's a small kitchen area to his right, presumably more for enrichment purposes considering Darkners like himself technically don't need to eat. The large bed he's lying on his awfully comfortable as well, though it does little to soothe Tenna's confusion. 

Something that does make him release a sigh of relief is the pipis he spots in another corner of the room, lying motionlessly on a pillow. Oh, thank goodness......

Before Tenna can even consider freaking out, the previously closed door creaks open to reveal a broad shouldered, bird-like creature. Something about them seems oddly familiar, though it might just be the multi-coloured glasses reminding Tenna of a certain someone.

"Oh! Mr. Tenna, I am glad to see you awake." The Darkner politely clasps their hands behind their back, waiting in the doorway like some knight in monochrome armor. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Swatch, Lady Grace-erhm Queen's head butler. I have been tasked to look after you whilst you recover."

"What....happened to me?" Tenna can't really remember much. Can only recall a sharp noise and the disturbing sight of his own two arms slowly sinking into a pile of snow. 

Swatch cocks their head to the side, humming thoughtfully. "Not many details have been shared with me. Master Ralsei told me that you were attacked by a knight of some sorts."

Ah.

Tenna shudders a little with the realization that this could've very well been the end for him. Being attacked by the Roaring Knight....how in Mike's name did he survive that? Either he's more sturdy than he thought or the Lightners really have made good of their promise. 

"I brought you some healing items, Mr. Tenna." Swatch offers when Tenna stays silent. They slowly approach the bed, revealing two unfamiliar looking items. One is a club sandwich and one is a glass of juice. "These are straight from Castle Town's café. I assure you, we only sell the most high quality consumables there."

"Thank you, Swatch." Tenna tries to smile at them despite his unease at literally waking up in a whole new world. "Uhm....so I just have to eat these and then I'll feel better?"

Swatch nods in confirmation. "You will regularly need to consume healing items and rest for the time being. Master Ralsei has arranged that all items at the café will be free of charge for you until you have regained your strength."

Oh, that little ball of fluff. This really does warm Tenna's metallic heart. His arms may hurt but perhaps things aren't so bad, after all. He's got this nice juice and sandwich. He's got a comfortable room to sleep in. He's alive, for heaven's sake!

Tenna consumes his consumables within two bites and slurps before jumping out of bed. Swatch doesn't flinch upon the sudden movement but does seem a little surprised by Tenna's  rush of energy. 

"Good fellow! Could you show me to the Lightners?" Tenna requests, already halfway across the room to leave. "I have some words of gratitude to share with them!!"

"As you wish." Aaah. If only Tenna had gotten this kind of service from his own employees. He tries to ignore the way his chest compartment tightens at the knowledge that he no longer has those employees. 

They exit the impressively sized castle together and Tenna just has to take a moment to take in the bustling little town. There's all kinds of Darkners walking around, some from Cyber World and TV World but also some that Tenna has never seen before. It's simply incredible. Not just the knowledge that something like this exists in the first place, but that Tenna is now....part of this community? This feels like an absolute dream and Tenna just hopes he won't wake up anytime soon. 

"There they are." Swatch points him to some familiar silhouettes in the distance. The three usual suspects are loitering around, talking amongst themselves. 

"Thank you kindly!" Tenna gives the bird a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I'll be sure to visit your café soon!!"

He all but races towards the heroes, speed walking in a straight line until he catches sight of a fourth person standing with them. Chalk white face, black hair, silly glasses that are so bright you can barely see his eyes behind them-

Spamton. 

Tenna's legs automatically change course, his straight line bending to walk more towards Spamton's direction instead. He doesn't even realize he's doing it until the puppet in question notices him and abruptly moves to hide behind Kris. Tenna blindly attempts to walk behind the Lightner before Susie's purple figure goes to stand right in front of him. 

"Tenna!" Her pure excitement to see him snaps Tenna out of his trance. 

"SUSIE!" He throws up his arms without thinking before wincing at the sharp pain that follows immediately after. "Ow......"

"Shit, you're still pretty banged up, aren't ya?" Susie sheepishly rubs a hand over the back of her neck. "Sorry, dude. We tried really hard to fix you but-"

"YOU DID???" Another flower pops out of his nose. "Oh, Susie! Kris! Ralsei! I can't thank you three enough!"

"Hey, it wasn't just us!" Susie grins wide, showing off her yellow rows of teeth. "Everyone got together to help you! Those shadow guys, the uh Pipp-pipi-those guys....."

Susie trails off before perking up again, glancing somewhere behind Kris. "Oh, yeah! Even this weird dude helped!"

"Spamton?" Tenna murmurs, looking down at the little salesman in wonder. The Darkner in question seems very much flustered at being caught. Spamton tries even harder to make himself disappear behind Kris. 

"NO, NO!!! DON'T BELIEVE [everything you see on the internet]!!! I WOULD NEVER HELP A [Man, Woman or Child] TV HEAD LIKE THAT!!" The mailman desperately denies. Tenna can feel himself beginning to smile wide, much to Spamton's visible frustration. "STOP BEING ALL [Smile, Smile, Smile!]!! I WOULD NEVER [provide my services] FOR [100% OFF]."

"C'mon, Spammy, can't we just talk like civilized adults?" The nickname slips out on pure accident. Tenna slaps a hand over his mouth as the kids regard him with puzzled looks and Spamton looks about ready to blow his fuse again. He chuckles nervously, adjusting his tie. "Uhm, kids, is there any chance I could have a word with Mr. Spamton? Just a minute, I promise."

"[ACCESS DENIED] NO." Spamton blatantly refuses, that overly wide smirk on his face looking rather strained. "I'M A [member of the inventory], YOU KNOW!! CAN'T JUST [Take a ride around town] WITH EVERY CLOWN THAT OFFERS!!"

Tenna shrinks immediately, antennas drooping. No, no no. He doesn't care if Spamton is helping the Lightners. He owes Tenna an explanation. Multiple, actually. And the CRT doesn't know if he can wait around again until Spamton might come back. He's played that type of game before. Just as Tenna almost considers giving up his pride and begging for the little mailman to stay, Kris unexpectedly pipes up, saying through a mumble:

"You should stay." 

Everyone turns to Kris in surprise. They themselves look weirdly surprised too, despite being the one saying it. Ralsei looks between Spamton and Kris for a moment before letting out a thoughtful hum. 

"Well, the Dealmaker is a very valuable item but.....I suppose if you and Susie aren't planning on going on more adventures for the time being, Mr. Spamton could just stay here?" 

"Yeah, I guess so......" Susie scratches at her scales before puffing out a sigh. "Ugh, yeah. Me and Kris have to do this lame group project so I guess we won't be going to any Dark Worlds today....."

Some bickering ensues among the three of them as Ralsei tries to demand for the Lightners to go do their homework. Tenna (im)patiently waits for them to wrap things up while Spamton stands there with a smile of absolute mortification. Maybe things will go Tenna's way this time....

"Well, alright. We'll be back later or whatever......" The purple hero eventually scoffs, shooting Ralsei a glare that lacks any real heat before fixing Tenna with a softer expression. "Hey, we'll be on the lookout for a new home, okay? Just hang in there."

Tenna has to forcefully avert his gaze away from Spamton in order to beam down at Susie, immensely grateful for her words despite the Addison-shaped distraction plaguing him. "Susie, Kris.....THANK YOU SO MUCH!! And good luck with your group project! Aim for that gold star!!"

"Uh.....sure." Susie doesn't seem too convinced. 

If only she knew that Tenna would give her star stickers on every assignment if he was her teacher..... No matter the quality of said assignments. 

The Lightners leave and it doesn't take long for Ralsei to scurry off as well, headed towards the castle where Queen appears to be trying to pour her acid drink into the mouth of a Poppup. Which leaves just him and Spamton. The puppet in question is stubbornly refusing to meet Tenna's 'eye', staring at the ground with his little arms crossed over his chest. 

"So...." Tenna speaks up, finally getting Spamton's attention. "Shall we go for a walk?"

Spamton blankly stares at the TV for a moment, body slowly but surely starting to tremble like that of an angry Chihuahua. As usual, it doesn't take long for the mailman to blow his fuse. 

"TAKE A GOD DAMN WALK STRAIGHT TO HELL!!!!"

Chapter Text

Spamton ends up accompanying him anyways. 

It's somewhat nostalgic to Tenna. Back in their golden years, Spamton also used to be harsh and lose his temper, only to still do the very thing he insisted he wouldn't do that day. That attitude is as infuriating and endearing as ever. 

They walk side by side, Tenna making a conscious effort not to overtake Spamton with his long legs. He keeps sneaking glances at the Darkner when he assumes Spamton isn't looking. Has he become even smaller somehow? It's been extremely long, so it might just be his imagination, but Tenna swears that Spamton felt smaller than he used to in his palm when he had him pressed up against the wall earlier. 

He can feel his screen turn a little pink at the memory. Right. They might have to talk about what happened there. It's a bit fuzzy in the details for Tenna considering he was going through a breakdown, but he does recall spraying Spamton with foam. He can't say he regrets it exactly but he'll admit that it was a bit of an overreaction in hindsight.

"SO YOU GONNA [talk that talk!] OR WHAT?" Spamton pipes up, startling Tenna out of his wandering thoughts. 

They've been aimlessly walking in a random direction for the past few minutes. Tenna frankly has no idea where they're going, as he's not familiar with Castletown and its outskirts. He just wanted some privacy to talk to Spamton properly, but he supposes that they're far enough from the other Darkners now. 

"Right.....uhm-" The CRT looks around. His antennas shoot up when he spots a big red tree. A perfect spot for deeply uncomfortable conversations. "Let's sit over there!!"

Spamton grumbles something under his breath but does follow Tenna as the TV strides ahead of him. The two of them sit down, their backs resting against the firm tree trunk. Tenna tries not to let his mind wander to all the times he and Spamton sat like this together, the tree being a closed studio door in his memory. Spamton doesn't appear to be feeling as sentimental. The little mailman is fidgeting, constantly looking from Tenna to the outstretch of trees to his own hands. He's always been jittery, even back then, but it seems to have grown worse in these last couple of years. 

There's more than a few subjects Tenna wants to discuss right now, but he decides to start off light. Ease into the inevitable uncomfortable turn this conversation will soon take. "Sooo.....the glasses thing. What did Ralsei call you, Dealsmaker or something? Why in HEAVEN'S name can you turn into an object???"

Tenna definitely hasn't ever seen Spamton do that before, so it must be a new ability. The puppet smirks at him as if trying to boast about the fact that he can turn into a pair of glasses at will. 

"JEALOUS OF MY INCREDIBLE [Power of NEO]??? HAHEAHEHEAHEHE!!1!1!" Tenna pouts at Spamton's ridiculous attempt to show off. "A MAGICIAN [never share your password online], YOU KNOW?? NO CAN DO, BUCKAROO."

He's still this secretive after all this time?? Tenna face-palms, feels a buzzing pressure come to life behind his screen. This little twat.....he can't believe it. Spamton finally has the chance to see him again after so long, and instead of taking the opportunity to drop to his knees and beg for forgiveness, he's patronizing Tenna like this?? Some things just never change. 

"YOU-!" Tenna has to make a grand effort not to start yelling. "You haven't seen me in YEARS and this is how you act?? I was hoping for something a little more heart warming, you know!!" 

Spamton jumps up, not exactly intimidating Tenna with his stature. Still, the little e-mail doesn't back down, hopping onto Tenna's chest and grabbing a hold of his tie. The CRT's screen turns pink yet again at the sudden proximity. 

"LOOK WHO'S [TALKING TALKING TALKING!]!!! YOU SPRAYED ME WITH THE [good stuff] AND LICKED ME LIKE A [2.99 popsicles]!!!" That stupid, white little face of his starts to turn red again, though not as quickly as Tenna's own screen. 

"W-what?!?" He squeaks out, desperately trying to decode Spamton's speech. Had Tenna....had he really licked him? Tenna can't quite recall that but it unfortunately sounds very much plausible. He's always been prone to getting carried away whenever Spamton is involved. "I-I don't recall that! Are you sure I-"

"DON'T TRY TO [gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss], YOU GLOOBY TV HEAD!!" Tenna grits his teeth at being called glooby. He's not! "AT LEAST PAY ME FOR MY [Terms and Services], PERVERT!!!"

"I-I'm not a pervert!!" Tenna denies, wrapping his fingers around Spamton's wrist to try and make him let go of his tie. "Besides, even if I did lick you, it was probably just to confirm that I was actually looking at Spamton. G. Spamton!! I mean, look at you! How was I supposed to know??"

Tenna regrets the blunt wording the second he says it. Spamton's eyes are filled with static for a moment, an expression Tenna has never seen on him. Then, those tiny hands finally release the CRT from their dead grip, and Spamton hops off to sit back down again. 

Tenna adjusts his tie, glancing over at his old partner with concern, desperately trying to understand. "What....what happened to you, Spammy?"

Why did you leave me? 

The question is on the forefront of his mind but he doesn't dare say it out loud. If he asks, he's afraid that he might just spill out everything he's been trying so hard to keep inside. How Tenna stubbornly waited every day for Spamton to come back, until he eventually realized that the Addison was gone for good. How he couldn't bring himself to ever set foot into Cyber City again, no matter how much he wanted to look for Spamton. How Tenna eventually destroyed that stupid fucking telephone in a fit of rage before collapsing to the floor and sobbing until he malfunctioned. 

He just wants to know why. What happened to Spamton that was so bad that he just....abandoned Tenna like that? 

Spamton is quiet for a long time. Tenna doesn't bombard him with any other questions, lets the silence stretch between them, no matter how agonizing it is. Tenna has wanted closure for all these years but.....he doesn't know what he'll do once he finally gets it. Is he just supposed to forgive and forget? Go back to being strangers with Spamton? He doesn't think he can. 

"I BECAME A [puppet on a string]." Spamton eventually says. "THE PHONE, IT-"

Suddenly, a violent glitch causes Spamton to jerk his head to the side. Tenna watches bewildered as Spamton's body seems to fight with itself, dead pixels and error messages popping up at random while the little e-mail twitches. An odd, high-pitched noise emerges from Spamton's voicebox, deeply unsettling Tenna. He knows that Cyber World citizens occasionally deal with a glitch or two but this is extreme. It's like he's watching Spamton being censored in real time. 

"#!AJHDB#%$!!" The puppet spits out more garbage noise before smacking the side of his head and sighing. "WHAT I'M TRYING TO [Say Yes to the Dress].....IS THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO."

"Didn't want to.....leave?" Tenna guesses, hopes that that's what the man is trying to say. He really wishes he could get a coherent story but it seems like it isn't entirely in Spamton's control on what he can and can't share.  

Spamton nods, as if hesitant to talk again after his initial outburst of glitches. "I WANTED TO [return to sender] BUT I COULDN'T......"

"So.....you didn't mean to leave?" The TV murmurs full of hope. 

Spamton looks visibly irritated with Tenna's constant reaffirming but, impressively, bites back a sarcastic remark. "YES."

Tenna looks down at his own hands for a moment, needs some time to digest this information. 

All this time, he really did think that Spamton just abandoned him. Chased bigger things and left Tenna in the dust. Of course, the seconds before Spamton's departure very much made it seem like he was terrified of something, but the way he just never came back kind of reaffirmed the CRT's deepest fears. He'd figured that Spamton would leave eventually, that this beautiful thing between them just wasn't meant to last, no matter how badly he wanted it to. The little mailman made Tenna feel like the most special Darkner in the world, just to leave him to rot at the first chance he got. 

Or at least, that's what Tenna told himself. 

Making Spamton out to be some kind of monster that left him behind was easier to cope with than the not knowing. Tenna never got closure, so what else could he do but fabricate a reason for Spamton's disappearance himself? He'd hoped that by hating his old partner, his anger would overpower his grief, but in the end he was simply left feeling both. Hating Spamton didn't make things easier at all. 

And now he finds out that Spamton didn't even mean to leave? That his little mailman still cares? He has to care, right? Susie outright stated that Spamton helped everyone heal Tenna when he was broken. 

Tenna smiles to himself before quickly fixing his screen into a more neutral expression. 

"Well, Spamton, I......" It hurts Tenna to have to say this, but he can't just go ahead and forgive Spamton that easily, can he? "I'll need a little more time to forgive you. But this is a good start."

Spamton's head snaps up from where he'd been staring at the ground, the life returning to his static eyes as he looks at Tenna in bewilderment. "[Forgive my poor English] ME???? YOU [forgive and forget] ME??!??!???"

"Yes, that's what I said!" The CRT tilts his head to the side, confused by Spamton's befuddlement. "Obviously it's about me forgiving you for all that you've done!"

Spamton continues to gawk at him as if he's just grown two more arms. Tenna is somewhat tempted to do exactly that, just to mess with his old business partner, but manages to control himself. The TV starts to grow a little offended at how Spamton apparently assumed that the forgiveness would be mutual. Tenna wasn't the one to walk out on Spamton and never return....

"Seriously, Spamton....." Tenna clicks his tongue. Unbelievable. "We need to be on the same page if we want to get back together!"

That really shocks Spamton. The puppet's beady little eyes look about ready to pop out from behind his glasses. His stiff jaw almost touches the ground, frozen in an expression of comedic shock. 

"EXCUSE [me and everyone else]?????" Spamton finally manages to blurt out. His voicebox is crackling and a few more glitches emerge from his body, betraying just how overwhelmed the former Addison feels. 

Tenna doesn't really understand why Spamton is acting so darn surprised. It's the only logical conclusion to this new revelation. Tenna had sworn to himself and his whole TV crew that he'd kill Spamton if he ever got his hands on the salesman again but that was before finding out that his departure wasn't done out of malice. Now that Tenna knows this, it's completely possible for the two of them to rekindle their spark. 

Spamton may look and sound different now but.....Tenna can work with that. Beneath the concerning glitches and hard plastic, this is still the Spamton he fell in love with. Tenna can't let him go. Not again. This time, there won't be any phone calls and plummeting ratings separating them. 

This is the universe giving them another chance, and Tenna doesn't intend on letting it slip by.

"You heard me." Tenna crosses his arms and grins down at the fellow Darkner. "We're getting back together, Spammy!! Sooner or later, that is."

Much to Tenna's amusement, Spamton's face slowly starts to grow red as the puppet fails to comprehend this very reasonable demand request. A little less amusing is that it only takes a few more seconds before Spamton suddenly takes off like a rocket, back towards Castle Town. Those little legs are surprisingly fast, leaving behind a cloud of dust as Tenna watches him go. 

"Hmm." Tenna hums to himself. He doesn't chase after Spamton, slowly getting back to his feet and walking at an easy going pace. 

Tenna isn't exactly a patient man, but he knows he can't really fault Spamton for needing more time to think about the inevitability of them getting back together. What did he think was gonna happen? Tenna's feelings had already been intense back when things were good between them. 

Their time apart has only made those feelings stronger. 

When Tenna returns to his room, he makes a beeline for the pipis, picking her up and rocking her back and forth in his arms. "Guess what, sweetheart?? THAT'S RIGHT! Me and your father, we....we'll be together again!"

She doesn't respond, though Tenna swears he can hear chirping. It's nice that she approves of their relationship. He knows that Spamton's absence has been hard on her as well. Tenna puts the pipis back down and moves to flop down onto his bed instead, wincing slightly at the way his arms protest upon the impact. 

Things are finally looking up again. Though Tenna is a little bit concerned about Spamton's reaction. He didn't appear to be as excited as Tenna. Then again, Spamton has always been like that, hasn't he? Back in the day he also played hard to get. It was through sheer willpower that Tenna finally got Spamton to give in and admit that the love between them was mutual. It seems like the mailman is still just as stubborn. 

But that's okay. Tenna loves a good chase. 

Chapter Text

Spamton has no idea how to even begin with unpacking this madness. 

His legs have taken him back to Castle Town, now squatting behind the dumpster of Swatch's stupid little café. Spamton would go to his own room but.....oh yeah, he doesn't FUCKING have one!!!!!

Damn it all. 

Was it so wrong of Spamton to assume he'd just be staying in that little sponge's inventory for the remainder of his days? It's not all that bad in there. He makes himself useful as the Dealmaker whenever Kris decides to put him on and when he's on stand-by, he plays games with that annoying little jester. Maybe not his ideal life but it's better than living in a dumpster and being alone on a Friday night. But [HEAVEN] seems to be feeling particularly cruel today, because if things keep going the way they are now, Spamton will somehow still end up back in the garbage. 

His already shattered ego can't take any more damage. Hasn't he repented enough for his sins already?? Is this some kind of cosmic punishment for trying to take Kris' soul? If so, it's completely unfair that Spamton is the only one getting punished for attempted murder. Not like Queen hasn't tried to get a few of the Lightners to kick the bucket. 

Now, Spamton knows that he could just ask to be Queen's roommate. She'd liked him well enough back when he lived in the mansion. Hell, Spamton is positive that she'd say yes just because it would be funny to her. But his pride won't allow it. Spamton just can't see himself crawling back to that HOCHI MAMA after she mercilessly kicked him out. Who cares if it was almost 20 years ago? She won't get back on Spamton's good side that easily!! Her and those stupid all-muscles-no-brains birds can kiss his plastic ass!!

But not as much as those Addison freaks he despises. 

Spamton's body automatically starts to shake in anger at the mere thought of those flashy losers. Asking to stay with them.....hah, wouldn't that be a joke? They'd revel in his desperation, no doubt. As if. He could never stoop so low as to ask help from those traitors. Seriously, why do those guys get a place to stay??? All they do is sell shitty products! At least Spamton actually makes some freaking money for the Lightners!

Could he just ask Ralsei for a room? Maybe. Spamton doesn't doubt that the kid would do it but it's not like a room is built within a few hours. He'd still need somewhere to stay in the meantime. Plus, if Kris takes him with them on their next Dark World adventure, then making a whole room just for the few times Spamton might stay in Castle Town seems like a waste. No, he'll be back on the team before his room will even be finished......

Then there's the cathode. 

Spamton abruptly stops shaking, body almost deflating as he sulks behind the dumpster. Goodness, what is he supposed to do about that? Tenna just came back into his life like a hurricane. A sexy, annoying, clingy hurricane that completely sweeps Spamton off his feet with its sheer power. This whole thing....it's not good. Their reunion was definitely not good. Spamton can feel irritation boil back to life within him at the memory of being mercilessly covered in foam. That bastard.....how could he do that to him? Spamton knows he looks a little different than he used to but Tenna reacted to him as if he was some kind of monster. 

And then to act all contrary, he went ahead and licked Spamton too? Spamton tries to control the colour threatening to return to his face but the intense mixture of anger and embarrassment makes it quite hard. Seriously, what a fucking pervert. If that was Tenna's attempt at foreplay, it's pathetic!

He still looks as good as he used to.....

Spamton physically shakes his head at the thought, forcefully tries to make it go away. He can't let Tenna's devilishly good looks distract him from the truth. The truth being that there's no way they can get back together. One, because how dare Tenna say that he's the one that should be forgiving him. Two, because Spamton has his whole.....thing going on. Three, because the CRT is somehow even more emotionally unstable than he used to be. Four-

Honestly, the list could go on forever! 

The salesman has no clue how he's supposed to deal with the fact that Tenna somehow still wants him back after what happened between them. He'd kind of just assumed that there'd be no reality in which the two of them could ever rekindle their relationship. Then again, Spamton also figured that Tenna would be dead by now. It's what the prophecy said, after all. So maybe not everything is set in stone. Maybe the prophecy isn't right about everything and maybe it's possible for him and Tenna to-

No. It just wouldn't be a good idea.

Spamton can't remember the last time he's been emotionally intimate with another person and Tenna is....Tenna. He's always been a little obsessive but the way he acted when they reunited just confirms that he's somehow become even worse. Spamton already struggled with fully giving himself to Tenna when they were still together, struggled to return the same energy that the CRT gave him. Maybe it's stupid to feel bad about it now but Spamton wouldn't want their relationship to be.....unequal. Spamton just isn't sure if he can give Tenna what he needs. 

But the attention feels so damn good. 

The puppet tugs at strands of black hair as he gnashes his teeth together. Spamton knows it's pathetic but how can he not enjoy the attention when he's been neglected and abandoned by everyone else in his life? The knowledge that there's someone out there that still wants him makes that ugly, repressed part of himself that craves affection jump out. It's not like he doesn't have any feelings. Spamton may be egotistical (to some), manipulative (it's called being a salesman!) and off-putting (debatable) but that doesn't mean he doesn't want someone giving him all of their [HYPERLINK BLOCKED]. 

The fact that that someone just happens to be Tenna of all people makes everything even more conflicting. He'd tried playing it cool back then, tried to put a little bit of distance between himself and the cathode in order not to get attached. But even that young, stupid version of Spamton wasn't able to deny his feelings for the TV. Gosh, he'd been thinking about proposing before the man on the phone-

Spamton bangs one of his fists against the side of his head. He can't allow himself to get carried away, lest another one of his episodes will happen. What Tenna had seen earlier was just glitching, nothing compared to what happens whenever Spamton gets in his head too much. 

Thankfully a distraction presents itself. A very rough and annoying distraction, that is. 

"Spamton. G. Spamton." For a bird, Swatch sure knows how to hiss like a feline. "How dare you dumpster dive behind my café?"

Spamton squirms in the grip Swatch has on his collar, feet kicking as he's unceremoniously lifted off the ground. "I WASN'T DIVING FOR [the goods]!!! CAN'T A [refined gentleman] LIKE MYSELF SIT AND STAND AND [Stop and Stare] WHEREVER I WANT??"

"No." That infuriating stoicism Swatch has about them returns as they easily compose themselves. It's a trait Spamton has always envied them for. His own face unfortunately always gives everything away. "I know you are up to something, salesman."

"THE WORLD DOESN'T [REVOLVING] AROUND YOU, [bird for brains!]!!" Spamton tries punching at the butler but Swatch easily holds him out of reach. "NOW LET ME (Go, Go, Go ]!1!! I HAVE [business partners] TO ATTEND TO."

"I don't know....." Swatch's tone is just the tiniest bit teasing, a snapshot of who they are outside of being a servant. "Perhaps I will have to call over my Swatchlings to teach you a lesson, once and for all."

Spamton is pretty sure that Swatch themselves has zero faith in Spamton ever learning his lesson for good, but the puppet still winces a little at the threat of getting roughed up by those damn Swatchlings. He's gotten his ass kicked more than a few times by those guys and the beatings always left behind a ringing in his head for hours afterwards. At least there's a lot of healers around town..... 

Before Swatch can arrange a beating session however, noisy and heavy footsteps slowly approach from behind. The two Cyber World citizens look up only to see a giant CRT on legs stop before them. Hah. If Spamton wasn't about to get his shit rocked, he might've laughed at how Tenna resembles some kind of fucked up looking guardian angel. 

"Swatch, pray tell, what's going on here?" Tenna tilts his TV head to the side, the smile on his face just a tad strained. 

"I caught master Spamton digging around my café's dumpster." Oh, now they're being formal! "I apologize if we have disrupted your peace, I was just about to take care of the problem."

Spamton goes limp in the hold Swatch has on him, like a puppet on a string. Sounds like a beating is definitely on the table, then. Spamton just can't catch a break, can he?

Tenna doesn't seem too keen on the idea, however, that stupid showman smile of his faltering slightly as he straightens his posture again. "Oh, there's no need for THAT, good fellow! I know Spamton can be a real handful. Trust me, I would know! But I'm sure that you're just SO busy with running your café, so how about you hand the little guy over to me and I'll take care of the problem myself? Take it as my way of saying thank you for those healing items!"

A tense silence falls between the two for a moment. Spamton glances back and forth between them, so invested in what's going to happen that he completely forgets to take the opportunity to try and escape. It's quite obvious that the CRT isn't really asking, the demand going unspoken but crystal clear in tone anyways. Usually Swatch would insist on doing everything themselves, the damn bootlicker, but it appears that today Swatch just doesn't have it in them to deny Castle Town's newest resident. 

The butler tosses Spamton towards Tenna with precision, the TV able to catch him without putting too much strain on his arm. Spamton grits his teeth upon being thrown around like a damn football. These tall, bulky bastards really just think it's fine to pick on the little guy, don't they? 

"Very well. Thank you for your help, Mr. Tenna." Swatch does their little signature bow before starting to head back to the café. Spamton bets that the damn sadist is secretly disappointed about not getting to give him a hard time.

"It's my PLEASURE, Swatch!! Have a good day now!" Tenna's mood swings really show as his smile becomes genuinely cheerful, just like that. Spamton rolls his eyes at the theatricality of it all. It must be in the TV's very system to be as dramatic as possible at all times. 

"HAD FUN [Win AMAZING prizes!] ME LIKE A DAMN [Trophy wife]??" Spamton scoffs, pushing at Tenna's hand until the CRT puts him back down. "WHAT, [came, saw and conquered] HERE TO RUB IT IN MY [Face masks for 5,99]???" 

Tenna crosses his arms with a resigned sigh. "I feel like a thank you would be in order but alright then....."

The audacity of this damn TV.

"But no, I actually came here to invite you to my room." Tenna adds, screen turning pink when Spamton stares blankly at him. "I-IT'S NOTHING WEIRD! Just....just wanted you to check it out, I-I guess?" 

Great, now Tenna's gonna rub it in his face that he gets to have a room while Spamton will probably be sleeping outside tonight. Fantastic. Hell no is on the tip of Spamton's tongue but he quickly reconsiders at the thought that Tenna must have some valuables in his room. Well, if he's going to be forced to look at the CRT's room in envy, he might as well get some Kromer out of it by snatching up some items. 

"WELL IF YOU [insist], [Trash Heap]!!" Spamton plasters on a slightly more convincing smile, grin only widening when Tenna frowns at the nickname. 

"Don't call me that!" The TV grunts in annoyance before beckoning for Spamton to follow him. "But GREAT!! Just follow me, little mailman."

Spamton face palms upon hearing the old pet name. Tenna has always been too sentimental. Why is he still using that decades old pet name? More importantly, why does Spamton perfectly remember it?? He'd found it ridiculous at first because he's not a mailman, he's an e-mail, but it had grown on him overtime.

"This is my room!" Tenna announces once they make it to the red, TV-shaped door. Spamton looks around and barely suppresses a sigh upon seeing the complementary TV-shaped couch. How very self-obsessed..... "Not too shabby, eh?"

"IT'S [Alrighty!]." Better than a dumpster, at least. Spamton tries to ignore the way his mechanical heart skips a beat upon seeing that pipis perched up on a pillow. It's been years, but she still looks as healthy as she did when Spamton first gave her to Tenna. 

"The bed is very comfy too....." Tenna smiles at him from where he all but hops onto the huge bed. He's not exactly helping his case when it comes to not implying anything weird but Spamton moves to sit beside him anyways. Damn. The bed is very comfy. 

Tenna doesn't seem to notice Spamton's increasing jealousy, oblivious as he asks: "Soooo.....when can I see yours??"

"MY WHAT???" 

"Your room."

Spamton releases a static noise resembling a sigh, dejected. "DON'T [Have a Snickers!] ONE."

"WHAT???? You DON'T???" The CRT's antennas go rigid as he gawks at Spamton in surprise. 

"I'M [supposed to be on lockdown] IN THE LITTLE SPONGE'S [inventories], REMEMBER??" Spamton jogs the TV's memory, watching Tenna go through the motions of realizing that Spamton doesn't actually live in Castle Town. 

"O-oh....." Tenna stammers out. "But.....then where are you staying??"

Spamton merely shrugs in response. He'll have to figure something out. The café's dumpster is definitely off limits but Spamton is sure he can find some other garbage pile to stay in for the night. Not like he isn't used to having to fend for himself.....

"Hmm, that won't do......" The TV mumbles, more to himself than to anyone else. He looks at Spamton with a thoughtful expression for a moment before snapping his fingers. "I got it! Listen, like I said, I'm still not ready to forgive you yet-"

Spamton releases a groan of despair but Tenna barrels on. 

"-but I do have a proposal for you. How would you feel about living together?"

Spamton narrows his eyes suspiciously. "ARE YOU [cuckoo]??? JUST LIKE THAT?? NO [strings attached]???"

"Well....." Tenna clasps his hands together, suddenly a little shy. "I think it would be a good CHALLENGE for us to share a living space! We need to get comfortable around each other again in order to get back together, don't we?"

Good HEAVEN, he's still on about this getting back together nonsense???

Spamton could really use a place to stay and Tenna's room is cosy but.....can he really tolerate living with the CRT again after so long? Spamton isn't so sure. 

"I DON'T [Knowledge is power], [Cathode]....." Spamton admits.

"Come oooon!! It'd be FUN!" Tenna pleads, pouting. If he had eyes, he'd surely be trying to do the puppy dog look. "C'mon, Spammy, just one week!"

"ONE WEEK???" Spamton sure hopes the Lightners won't be gone for that long. ONE WEEK [of fun] WHAT??"

"Of living together and sharing a bed, like OLD times!" The cathode is unbelievably forward. Won't even make Spamton sleep on the convenient couch. "And, you know, if by the end of the week everything's going well.....maybe we can try again?"

Perhaps Spamton shouldn't be shocked anymore. Tenna always loves to call him the stubborn one between the two of them but it really does take one to know one...... 

It appears that Tenna really isn't going to give up that easily. Spamton finds it very much annoying but part of him can't help feeling flattered. Tenna heavily pursued him during their time in TV World and eventually managed to break down the walls Spamton had tried so hard to put up. The e-mail still doesn't intend on just giving into the CRT's demands but maybe it wouldn't hurt to entertain the idea a little. Spamton honestly really isn't expecting anything to come of it. He'll be back in Kris' inventory before he knows it so diving head first into a relationship again (with his ex no less) wouldn't make much sense.

So, Spamton extends his hand, figures that this will be a temporary arrangement. "ALRIGHT, YOU [Win the golden ticket]!!! DO WE HAVE A [specil] DEAL??"

Tenna's mouth drops open for a moment, obviously taken off guard by how quickly Spamton changed his mind. Then a wobbly smile makes its way onto his screen and Spamton's hand is grasped by a much larger one. 

"YES!! We've got a deal indeed!" Tenna grows a bit in size, overjoyed as he shakes Spamton's hand (and by extend his whole body) up and down. "You WON'T regret this, Spammy!"

Spamton isn't too sure about that. 

Chapter Text

It's so surreal to have Spamton back in his life again. 

Especially in such a domestic setting. The TV can't keep his gaze off the mailman, not even when Spamton glares defiantly upon noticing that he's being stared at. Tenna thinks he's allowed to take in an eyeful after so long. And he still hasn't seen everything. The glasses and the disrupted speech and the stiff jaw are all very new (how the heck did that even happen?) but Tenna is pretty curious to find out what Spamton looks like with less layers on. 

And it's nothing weird, mind you, it's only natural that Tenna would be interested in his old partner's body. Perhaps he's also a tiny bit curious about Spamton's state down there-

"IF YOU'RE DONE [look but don't touch] MAYBE WE CAN FINALLY [Hit the snooze button]??" Spamton's impatient foot tapping snaps Tenna out of his trance. 

"O-oh! Well, I still need to brush my teeth! Got to keep those teeth clean, heh!" Tenna had discovered a toothbrush and cup set by the sink earlier. It really is impressive how much thought was put into this one room, perfectly tailored after Tenna's needs and habits. 

Which makes it all the more upsetting that Spamton doesn't have his own room. 

Tenna turns towards where the puppet is standing motionlessly in place, observing the CRT. "Would you like to borrow my toothbrush?"

"NO [Need For Speed]." Spamton insists. Tenna is pretty sure that Spamton could use a deep cleaning everywhere but he decides not to push the subject for now. Instead he shrugs and gets to work, brushing his fangs until he's satisfied. 

Spamton still hasn't moved an inch, eerily doll-like in the way he stands there. It's kind of unsettling but Tenna tries not to let it bother him. 

"S-so! Since we're having a slumber party, I guess you need some pyjamas. I'm sure if I dig around a little, I might just find something that'll fit yo-"

"YOU'RE JUST [trying and failing] TO SEE [the goods], AREN'T YOU, [Casanova]???" Tenna sputters at seeing the smirk paired with the accusing words. Gosh, Spamton just revels in getting on Tenna's nerves, doesn't he? 

"I'm NOT!!!" Not entirely a lie, not entirely the truth either. "I'm just trying to be nice, you JERK!" 

"I CAN'T JUST [Take it off] ON THE VERY FIRST [Saturday Night Fever], [cathode]!! YOU GOTTA [Pay to see], Y'HEAR???" The annoying salesman barrels on, much to Tenna's embarrassment. 

"Ugh!! WHATEVER! Never mind." Tenna turns to open his wardrobe with a huff, fed up with Spamton's teasing. "If you want to sleep in those STINKY clothes, be my guest!!"

If Spamton wasn't built like a puppet, Tenna is pretty sure that the former Addison would've been pouting right about now. But he can hardly blame Tenna for complaining about the odor coming off of him, can he? Like, seriously, when was the last time Spamton took a darn shower? He should consider himself lucky that Tenna is willing to overlook such things. 

Tenna finds himself a night cap and some TV Time branded pyjamas. Wow, Ralsei really thought of everything. The CRT starts stripping himself off his suit, a bit slower than he'd usually be to spare his arms. By the time he's left in only his boxers, Tenna remembers that he isn't alone. Or well, he knew he wasn't alone, but getting undressed in front of Spamton is just a force of habit. 

Even after all those years......

He glances towards his ex, amused to see that his chalk white face has gone red. Tenna wonders how many more times he'll be able to catch Spamton off guard like this. It used to be a lot harder to fluster him back in the day. 

"Now who's the pervert?~" Tenna sing-songs, satisfied when the little mailman snaps his head to the side in order to stare at the wall instead. 

Tenna gets dressed in the T-shirt and shorts before getting on the bed. He crawls under the covers and sits upright, patting the spot beside him when Spamton continues to stand around like an idiot. "Well, are you gonna join me or what?"

"I'LL [Join the forces] WHEN I WANT TO, [Trash Heap]!1!!" Spamton barks back, already moving towards the bed. 

Tenna gets comfortable quite easily while Spamton lies beside him stiff as a board. It's understandable that he's a bit nervous about spending the night together again-Tenna's own innards are buzzing with nerves-but the way he's lying there is almost.....awkward. Like he doesn't know how to rest in a bed. Tenna instinctively slings an arm around Spamton's waist, ready to cuddle, only to shrink slightly when he's immediately batted away. 

"LEAVE ME [Alone on a Friday night?], YOU [nectar slurping insect]!!" Ouch. 

"FINE." Tenna grits out, turning to face the wall instead. 

The rejection stings but Tenna reasons that Spamton probably just isn't used to the affection anymore. Tenna himself has had quite a few cuddle sessions with Mike over the years but he isn't sure what Spamton got up to. Or with who. Did Spamton date anyone else after Tenna? Loved anyone else? 

Not that it matters. Tenna is here now. Any past partners shouldn't even be a factor. He just needs to be patient, show Spamton what he's been missing out on. That Tenna's affection is still very much available. 

It's that thought that finally calms Tenna enough into allowing his power to shut down. As he powers down, he can faintly hear the sound of shuffling beside him before darkness takes over.

When Tenna wakes up, Spamton isn't there anymore. 

He's immediately startled out of his sleepiness, jolting upright upon seeing the empty spot beside him. Oh no. Tenna slaps around the mattress in the desperate hope that maybe Spamton is just hidden beneath the blanket somewhere. But he finds nothing but empty space. Panic and anger begin to stir within the CRT. How dare he. Tenna gives Spamton a place to stay, a chance to reconcile, and the bastard just bolts at the first chance he gets?? 

Tenna swings his long legs over the bed, feet landing on the floor with a heavy thunk. He's about to start pacing around the room when his antennas pick up on a noise coming from beneath the bed. He tilts his head in wonder, attentively listens to the noise. Tenna slowly starts to kneel down in order to look under the bed.

Spamton. 

Spamton, curled up against a pillow and surrounded by several pipis. Tenna's body sags in relief, a crackling sigh slipping from his speakers. Thank goodness. He really had Tenna worried there for a moment. The TV feels a little guilty for immediately assuming the worst but it's hard not to after what happened between them. The cute sight leaves Tenna's body buzzing pleasantly, though a sense of confusion quickly interjects. Why the heck is Spamton sleeping under the bed like some kind of cartoon monster? If he really didn't feel comfortable sleeping in the same bed, he could've just taken the couch. 

Tenna begins to get distracted by the pipis lying around, barely resisting the urge to grab them and eat them whole. Assuming they're empty, that is..... The CRT practices self-control instead, getting back to his feet and turning to the kitchen instead. Might as well get breakfast started like a good host. If Spamton is still (somewhat) the man he used to be, he'll definitely enjoy getting some grub. 

By the time he's popped in a few CD bagels and laid out some heart-shaped donuts that Tenna doesn't recognize, Spamton has finally crawled out from underneath his hiding spot. He looks a bit dishevelled, one of his eyes static as he seems to be in the process of waking up. 

"Gooood MORNING!" Tenna greets his roommate. Spamton doesn't look too pleased to see him but.....not too unpleased either. It's a step in the right direction? "So....why were you sleeping under the bed and not on the bed?"

"IT'S [comfort food]." Spamton responds plainly. 

"That's weird." Tenna says, blunt as he regards the salesman with a judgemental hand on his hip. "But alright, then. Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

He puts a plate of bagels and donuts on the kitchen island, pushing it towards Spamton. "I made breakfast, if you'd like! I don't know what those donuts taste like but-"

Spamton abruptly jumps onto one of the bar stools with a sudden rush of energy, grin growing impossibly wide upon seeing the treats in front of him. "WELL WELL WELL WELL I DIDN'T [Know what's up?] THAT THIS IS A [5 Star Hotel]!!!"

Tenna can't help but smile at the little mailman's enthusiasm as he eagerly consumes the items. Darkners don't really need food but that has never quelled Spamton's appetite. Oh, how the bigshot just loved those weekly lunches Tenna would organize for the TV crew.....

"ARE YOU NOT [Gonna cry?] EAT YOUR [edibles]??" Spamton cocks his head to the side, noting Tenna's own lack of food. 

"Oh, right!!" Tenna had completely forgotten to eat himself. How thoughtful of the little guy.....

He grabs himself a few of the healing items Swatch left for him and sits across from Spamton, more for the cosiness of it all rather than a real desire to eat. They eat in comfortable silence, the only noise between them the sound of Spamton's hard jaw clacking open and shut. 

"Actually, I was wondering......" Tenna pipes up after a while, shy but eager to spend more quality time with the fellow Darkner. "Would you like to come with me to the TV building today?"

Spamton pauses with a donut halfway in his mouth, only to decide at the last second to eat it anyways. Tenna patiently anticipates his response, twirling his thumbs as the e-mail thinks about the offer. Tenna assumes that Spamton doesn't really have any other plans since the Lightners haven't come back yet. 

"UH....[sure thing], [cathode]. THINK THEY CAN [Too hot to handle] MY [show-stopping] CHARISMA, THOUGH??" Spamton pushes his plate around as he scratches at the back of his head. 

"Well, I don't know." Tenna admits honestly. "I haven't been there myself yet and....not everyone from the crew will be there......."

He shrinks a few feet upon being reminded of the employees that abandoned him after what transpired in TV World. A few of them have stuck around, including Lanino and Elnina, but a lot of them have also hit the bricks after helping to repair Tenna. Which he's eternally grateful for, of course, but knowing he lost so many employees because of his own doing is still painful to think about. Tenna still can't believe he managed to drive Mike away.....

Spamton notices his gloobiness, gritting his teeth together before fixing his face back into that uncanny puppet smile. "H EY [The Less I Know The Better]!! AT LEAST YOU [have it all] A FEW [loyal customers] LEFT!!1!!"

"R-right!" Tenna cheers up a little at the pep talk, growing back to his original size as he slips out of his seat. "I still have my most LOYAL employees at the end of the day!! That's it, Spammy, we're going there right now!!"

"YOUR [suit and tie]." Spamton points out. Tenna looks down at where he's still dressed in his pyjamas. Oops. It wouldn't be very professional to show up like that. 

"Good catch!! I'll just be a minute!" Tenna nearly knocks Spamton off his stool in his hurry to get to the wardrobe. 

It's not long after that the two of them are standing in front of the TV building. It's even more beautiful up close..... Tenna opens the doors with shaky hands, nervous and excited to see what waits for him inside. 

It's small but gorgeous. Several rooms are lined up next to one another, each with a poster on the side to show which minigame awaits beyond its doors. Oh, wasn't that a hoot.... Tenna already misses playing these with the Lightners. Maybe he could invite Spamton to play sometime.....

They wander around the rest of the studio, Tenna watching with glee as Spamton's eyes occasionally light up in recognition. Eventually they stumble upon a tiny version of the Greenroom, complete with a watercooler and all. None other than Tenna's favorite weather duo are loitering around inside, as well as a weird lamp in the corner. Huh.

"Oh!! Tenna!" The two lovers look ecstatic to see him, the both of them coming up to hug him. Tenna squeezes them closer, overjoyed to receive any and all affection. "You're looking better already!"

"Thanks!! I FEEL better too!" Tenna smiles down at them. "Those healing items from the café work like a CHARM!"

"Oh, definitely, me and my raincloud LOVE to go there for lunch." Lanino nods in agreement before his eyes drift over to the mysterious guest behind Tenna. "Ah! Did you bring over a friend?"

Spamton jumps out from behind the giant TV, throwing up his hands and successfully scaring the other two into backing up. "HEY EVERY  ! IT'S [me and you]!! S SPAMTON G. SPAMTON!!"

Lanino and Elnina's jaws look about ready to touch the floor. Elnina dares to get a little closer, looking Spamton up and down with wide eyes. "S-Spamton....? Is that really you???"

"THE ONE AND ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY-" Spamton's voice gets stuck in a loop, a strange crackling laugh slipping in between the repetition before the mailman smacks the side of his head to stop the loop. 

Tenna winces at that. He doesn't like to see Spamton being so rough with himself, but it seems like that's the only way for him to snap out of a glitching episode. 

Lanino and Elnina exchange concerned glances, visibly thrown off by their former co-worker's erratic behavior. Lanino tries to plaster on a polite smile. "Uhm....wow! You, uh, you look-"

"[Ruggedly handsome]???? EAHAHAEHE!1!!1 DON'T [flatter yourself] ME!!" Spamton interrupts, grin remaining unshaken on his face. Tenna happily watches the interaction. He's so glad that Spamton is getting along swimmingly with his right hand man and left hand woman. It's almost like no time has passed at all!

The three of them catch up a little, Spamton expertly dodging any questions about his whereabouts for the last decade and a half while Tenna avoids getting into the topic of his relationship to the little mailman. He won't speak on it until they're official again, doesn't think he can deal with the inevitable judgement that will follow if he explains their current status. Not like Elnina and Lanino haven't had a bit of trouble in paradise before....

By the time they exit the Greenroom again, Tenna has grown several feet, having to duck in order to walk through the doorframe. Spamton notices his ex partner's joy, amused at seeing the CRT's poor attempts to conceal his emotions. "YOU'RE AS [easy to please] AS EVER, [cathode]."

"Oh, can you blame me for feeling GROOVY when I see my favorite people together?? It's a sight for SORE eyes!!" In his excitement, a flower blooms from Tenna's nose, startling Spamton. 

The little guy hastily looks around, seemingly embarrassed at the prospect of anyone walking in on them like this. "GET YOURSELF [Together Forever]!!! STOP THIS [Flowers in the Attic] NONSENSE!!"

Spamton jumps up to snatch the flower right off of Tenna's nose and, strangely, decides to eat it whole. His gluttony knows no bounds.... Unlucky for Spamton, Tenna's body immediately produces another flower, too happy to keep them from growing. Spamton slumps in defeat as Tenna bursts out laughing. 

Ah, he's still so embarrassed about the flowers.....

Living with Tenna isn't all that bad, after all. 

Spamton wakes up on the second day of their living arrangement, staring up at the bottom of Tenna's mattress. He still sleeps under the bed. Both because he isn't ready to receive Tenna's overwhelming affection (no matter how much his touch starved body craves it) and because he's grown used to sleeping with only a pillow and a makeshift roof above his head. The e-mail still hasn't told Tenna about his previous living conditions and he's not sure he ever will. 

It's.....embarrassing to admit it. He doesn't want any pity from the damn CRT. 

Reluctantly, he slips out from underneath the bed. Tenna is already up and about, dressed even. The man is humming the TV Time tune to himself as he rearranges various knick-knacks around the room. Spamton stubbornly avoids looking at the pipis judging him from her pillow. He doesn't need another reminder of how much he's fumbled his previous success. 

"GOOD MORNING!!" Tenna hollers upon spotting the mailman. "How'd you sleep??"

"LIKE A [newborn infant]." More or less. Spamton still tosses and turns but sleeping under Tenna's bed is still 10 times warmer than sleeping in a dumpster. 

"Glad to hear it!" The TV leans his body against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he observes Spamton with a thoughtful look on his screen. "Say, Spam, I've got a pretty big sink in my kitchen. How about you wash up and-"

"[ACCESS DENIED]!!!!" Spamton refuses. Tenna's antennas droop in disappointment upon being denied. If the damn cathode thinks Spamton is just going to give into every wish and demand, he's got another thing coming. 

"Pfft...." Tenna impatiently taps his fingers against his arm before perking up again. "Then, how about we take a trip to the Café? I've heard that the coffee they serve there is SUPERB!" 

"I'M PROBABLY [Banned for life]......] The salesman mumbles, dejected. "THAT DAMN [easel] WILL [Shoot your shot!] ME ON SIGHT."

"Don't be ridiculous, Spammy!" Tenna waves off Spamton's very valid concerns. "Swatch seems very reasonable! I'm sure they'll be happy to serve anyone I bring along! Besides, I get to order free healing items while I still recover. It'd be a SHAME to let those go to waste, right?"

"FREE [consumables]????" Spamton's previous hesitation dissolves like sugar in coffee. "NOW YOU'RE SPEAKING MY [Arabic language course]!!!!"

"Hah! I knew you'd come around!" Tenna is triumphant, heading over to the door and holding it open for his companion. "Ladies first~"

Spamton makes a crude gesture as he walks through the doorway, revelling in Tenna's scandalized gasp. 

At the café, Swatch looks as though they're really wanting to make a crude gesture of their own. They look down at where Spamton is standing beside Tenna, their face stoic as ever but obviously displeased with the spam mail's presence. Swatch looks back up at Tenna, unimpressed with the TV's wide smile. 

"He's with me." Tenna confirms. 

Somehow, hearing the way Tenna says it with zero hesitation or shame, makes Spamton's mechanical heart twitch in his chest. He'd expected Tenna to be kind of embarrassed about being seen in public with Spamton in his current state, but the CRT seems almost....proud?

"Very well." Swatch bows, and with that, prepares their coffees without another word. 

They exit minutes later, each with a carton coffee cup in hand, Spamton only half listening as Tenna chatters away about all the new and strange Darkners he's met since moving into town. Spamton is, dare he say, enjoying himself. But the moment of happiness is of course quickly snuffed out once he catches a glimpse of hot pink. Spamton watches as the Addison's face lights up in recognition, eyes momentarily opening to glare at the puppet before shifting back into that trademark happy face once the guy spots Spamton's companion. 

"OH. MY. GOSH!" Pink yells out, theatrical as ever. His yelling attracts all the other Addisons that have been lurking around, a whole swarm of them soon flocking to Tenna like a group of Maus spotting a chunk of cheese. "You're Mr. Ant Tenna from TV Time, aren't you??"

Much to Spamton's rage, Tenna's confused expression fizzles out, replaced instead with a huge smile. 

Spamton just can't fucking have anything, can he.....

Chapter Text

"Why, yes! I AM!!" Tenna fiddles with his tie, practically glowing under all the attention. "Are you colorful bunch fans of mine?"

"Of COURSE we are! TV Time is huge!" Blue nods eagerly. Spamton glares daggers at the group of Addisons, only becoming angrier when they don't even spare him another glance. They've always been so good at looking away, huh? 

"Yeah!! Who wouldn't be a fan of a show with a charming host like you?" Yellow grins when their bold statement is received with Tenna growing a few feet in joy. The CRT is too damn easy. Spamton almost can't believe his fucking eyes. 

"Oh, don't flatter me!~" Tenna pretends to be coy, only to turn towards the imaginary camera in order to mutter: "(Actually, keep going)"

The Addisons cackle with laughter and, okay, it wasn't that funny. Tenna is of course clueless to the exaggerated reactions, visibly pleased with himself. Spamton wants to slap the smirk right off his screen but instead finds himself frozen in place, body slowly starting to tremble. That bone deep resentment he holds for the group of Addisons become all consuming, like an awful migraine that just won't go away. He hates them. Hates them so much it makes him sick. 

"Say, how would you feel about a collaboration??? The four of us know exactly what products are trendy right now!!" Orange makes a pop-up ad to demonstrate, showing some ridiculous looking sneakers. "Show these during your ad breaks and sales will go up in no time!!"

"We're a team of SUPER ads, Mr. Tenna!!" Pink easily plays off of Orange in a display of uncharacteristic teamwork. "Take the deal and watch those viewers increase!!"

And that's what really gets to Spamton. Addisons are competitive and fake, it's in their nature, but to see those four actually working together to help sell each other's products feels like a stab straight into his heart shaped object. Where was all this comradery when Spamton was struggling to sell his own products? All he got back in the day were some shoulder pats and faked words of reassurance, that he'd get there someday. Never did they work together with him. Never did they offer him advice. Those damn bastards were terrified that Spamton might one day overtake them. 

But now they want to help each other? Be a team? What a joke. 

Spamton's eyes go static, mind pleasantly blank for a moment. By the time he's snapped out of his trance, Tenna is still chatting with the Addisons and the coffee cup in Spamton's hand has been crushed, spilling liquid all over his trembling hand. Rationally, he knows that it doesn't make much sense to be feeling such an overwhelming sense of betrayal, he's never gone into detail with Tenna as to why he despises his old co-workers so much, why he hates being reminded that he is was an Addison. But surely, if the TV wasn't so fucking self-obsessed, he would've noticed just how enraged Spamton is? 

Tenna hasn't looked his way since the Addisons started talking to him, and it hurts much more than Spamton feels comfortable admitting. 

The puppet tolerates everything for one more minute before the angry glitches occasionally rocking his body become too much. Spamton walks away without a word, coffee forgotten, Tenna and the Addisons left behind. He can hear Tenna call out for him, but the lack of heavy footsteps trailing after him confirms that the CRT has decided to stay behind. Figures. Of course he'd choose attention from fake fans over Spamton. 

He returns to Tenna's room, immediately crawling under the bed. Spamton curls himself around his pillow, tries to soothe himself by making some pipis appear with the snap of his fingers. It's almost starting to work, but the moment of peace is short-lived, as it's only minutes later that the door to the room creaks open. 

"Spammy?" A hesitant voice pipes up. 

Spamton remains completely still, facing the wall, pretending to be asleep. He knows that if he talks to the CRT now, he'll just hurl out censored insults the whole time. Which will make Tenna shrink until he's even shorter than Spamton. Which does sound very appealing, but the mailman doesn't exactly have the energy to argue right now. 

"Spamton....?" Tenna tries again. Spamton can hear shuffling beside him, the sound of the TV kneeling down to look under the bed. "Spamton, I'm.....I'm sorry, I-"

Upon seeing Spamton not even stir, the CRT retreats. The former Addison is secretly impressed at the self-restraint. The Tenna from years ago would've just kept pestering Spamton until he blew up on him. Today, Tenna chooses to give him space, the bed creaking as he goes to sit on top of it. A barely audible sigh slips out of Spamton's hard jaw, fatigue starting to get to him. It takes a lot of energy to be this angry. He closes his eyes, tries to ignore the sniffling coming from the TV resting above him. 

Spamton stays under the bed for the rest of the day. 

The next day is much of the same. 

Spamton stubbornly remains under the bed for hours on end, ignoring Tenna's various attempts to coax him out. It does get stale after a while, so eventually Spamton comes out, but only once he's made sure that Tenna has left. He steals a few CD bagels, annoyed when a sad little tune comes out once he takes a bite. Spamton isn't exactly sure where to go but he's dying to get out of the room for a little bit. The e-mail makes his way into town with the hope that he won't run into the giant CRT.

Which, of course, he does. 

It's like Tenna just has a sixth sense for where Spamton is at all times. Spamton grinds his teeth together when he notices the TV approaching him. It seems like Tenna has just abruptly walked out of a conversation with Elnina and Lanino. Oh, now he knows how to walk away? It pisses Spamton off so much that he makes a run for it, easily slipping between Darkners while Tenna stomps around like an idiot, trying not to knock over any passer-by's. Heh, if Tenna was any smarter he'd just shrink to make things easier for himself. 

Which he does. 

"%U0#!!!" Spamton squeaks out when Tenna suddenly gets way too close to catching him, the TV having shrunk several feet in order to reach him easier. Spamton scurries away towards the outskirts of town. 

A tiny little part of Spamton enjoys the chase. It's reminiscent of their days at the studio, Tenna chasing after Spamton whenever the e-mail played a prank on him. Tenna's always been easy to mess with. 

"Spamton, wait!!" Tenna yells from somewhere behind him. Spamton does not in fact wait, crawling his way up a tree like a spider, hiding out in between the red and purple leaves. Any other Darkner would've definitely spotted him, his chalk white skin contrasting with all the other colors, but Tenna's sight isn't the best and the CRT walks right past. 

Spamton snickers to himself, satisfied at having outplayed the dumb TV. It really just goes to show how incompetent Tenna is without an entire crew taking care of things for him. Seriously, what a loser. He'd never make it out on the streets. It's a good thing Spamton was the one ending up homeless, Tenna would've perished within the first few hours. 

The mailman depresses himself with his own thoughts, slumping at the reminder that he doesn't actually have a home while Tenna has an entire room to himself. It's not fair, but when has anything in Spamton's life ever been fair? 

He climbs back out of the tree, wandering off into a random direction. Blegh. Why does someone as big as him have to deal with so much shit? How much more suffering does he have to endure until HEAVEN finally decides that he's had enough? Spamton thought that just maybe having Tenna back in his life would make him feel better, no matter how complicated their relationship, but somehow he feels worse than before. 

Can he just catch a damn break already? 

Apparently not, because the moment Spamton reaches the area behind Ralsei's castle, lightning fast and heavy footsteps grow closer and closer behind him. Turning his head, Spamton sees none other than Mr. Ant Tenna running at him full fucking speed, like a train. He instinctively flinches, ducking down and covering his head when Tenna gets too close too quick. The CRT thankfully stops at the last second, just barely avoiding crashing into Spamton. 

"CAN IT, YOU [Oversized t-shirt] BLOCKHEAD??!?!?" Spamton yells in frustration, the forced smile on his face so wide that it hurts. "I'M [walking and talking] HERE!!!"

"I just want to TALK!" Tenna pleads, hands clasped together and all. Spamton might've found it cute if he wasn't still pissed off at the CRT. "Please, Spammy, you've been avoiding me all day and I-"

"WHY DO YOU [Think you got what it takes?] THAT IS, [Trash Heap]????" The puppet throws his hands up in a dramatic gesture. "I KNOW [intelligence] DOESN'T COME TO YOU [Easy peasy!] BUT IT CAN'T BE THAT [Are you hard rn?] TO FIGURE OUT."

Spamton looks away, face flushing slightly at the inappropriate ad that slipped in there. The suggestive line seems to go right over Tenna's head as the CRT's lips turn wobbly. Tenna better not start crying.....

"I'm sorry, okay??? I-I didn't mean to hurt you by talking to them! It's just....they were so NICE, Spammy! Can you blame me for getting a little GROOVY when a bunch of trendy guys are singing my praises???" Tenna defends himself, blatantly admitting to how desperate he is for any and all attention. Unbelievable. 

"TRENDY [Guys and Girls]??!?! THEY'RE [washed out jeans] SCAMMERS!!1!" Spamton yanks at a strand of hair as he tries to keep his cool. Trendy guys.....tch. Like anyone gives a shit about Addisons. 

"Like you're one to talk!" Now, Spamton can see on Tenna's screen that the guy regrets it the moment he says it. Not like he'd be wrong for calling the e-mail a scammer. But it seems like even Tenna realizes that comparing Spamton to those Addisons he loathes is a bad move. 

Spamton snaps. Can't keep his anger from boiling over, pushed to the limit. "AT LEAST I'M N0T A [smell the desperation] ATTENTION [hooker]!!!!!" 

That definitely gets a reaction out of Tenna. 

Spamton watches with satisfaction (and horrible guilt) as static tears start to roll down the CRT's screen. They dissolve once they hit the ground, tiny pixels fading into nothing. Spamton knows it's a low blow, knows that Tenna's constant need for attention is simply a part of him and that it's only gotten worse because of circumstances. But a cruel, vindictive part of Spamton gets some enjoyment out of seeing the TV break down so easily after less than 24 hours of being given the cold shoulder. 

He should probably be more disturbed by that but Spamton is too bitter at the moment to think rationally. Besides, when isn't their relationship disturbing?  

Spamton turns around and starts to head back towards Tenna's room, fully intent to spend the rest of the day under the bed. Much to his dismay, however, he notices Tenna following right after him like a baby duckling. The CRT has already stopped crying, though his screen is notably blank. 

"[Go, go, Power Rangers!] AWAY, [Trash Heap]!!" Spamton shouts at him over his shoulder. "I KNOW YOU DON'T [Care for a drink?] ABOUT ME, SO GO HANG OUT WITH THOSE [Colored pencils for 30% off]!!"

"I do care!" Tenna insists, his face slowly being displayed again. He stubbornly continues to walk right behind the smaller Darkner. 

Spamton doesn't humour him with a response, swinging open the door to their shared room. The door closes with a sharp thud, and it's just when Spamton is about to make his way under the bed, that he's suddenly grabbed from behind. He shrieks in surprise, not having expected a large hand to wrap itself around his waist. Before Spamton can even properly react, he's forcibly turned around and pinned against the mattress. 

He stupidly blinks up at where Tenna is now on top of him, his hold gentle but firm. Spamton can feel his face start to go red at the sudden proximity. 

Tenna peers down at him, screen tinting pink but expression dead serious. "Let me show you how much I care."

......huh?

Tenna knows he shouldn't have done it. 

He should've made a polite excuse to get away the second one of those Addisons stepped up to him. Or, at least, he should've gone after Spamton when the puppet wordlessly walked away. But Tenna's need for validation won yet again, anchoring him in place as he listened to the Addisons' endless praises. It just felt so good to finally have people tell him how much they like him again. As much as Tenna wants to get back together with Spamton, it's no lie that the mailman can be quite.....cold towards him sometimes. That push and pull between them used to be endearing but now Tenna just wants some freaking reassurance. 

And then there's also the fact that Tenna just doesn't know why Spamton hates those Addisons so much. He'd always been awkward whenever Tenna asked about them, dodging the subject whenever it was brought up. Tenna only realized that Spamton hated his old colleagues when the e-mail once got so drunk that he went on an unfiltered rant about his dislike for the Addisons. Even then, it hadn't really been coherent enough for Tenna to fully understand the exact reasoning behind his old partner's feelings. 

Even so, Tenna can admit that it was wrong of him to chat like that with Spamton's enemies. Right in front of the puppet, no less. 

The silent treatment afterwards should've been expected but it devastated Tenna regardless. He's always been sensitive to getting ignored and it didn't help that it was Spamton ignoring him. Tenna hates that the man still holds so much power over him all these years later but he just can't help but crave Spamton's attention. It's like an addiction for him.

So, of course it really hurt when Spamton called him an attention whore. 

Tenna just had to cry a little, part of him genuinely upset enough to burst into tears and a smaller part of him hoping that it would make Spamton feel bad for him. It didn't seem to work as intended, the mailman simply walking away from him. That, Tenna could still deal with. Didn't mind having to follow Spamton around like a dog. But Spamton suggesting that Tenna doesn't care about him was the final straw. 

Which is how he finds himself on top of the puppet. 

Spamton is gazing up at him, dazed, his face starting to get a pretty flush. Tenna knows that his parental controls won't approve of what he's about to do, but he's already had to control himself for this long. And if Spamton won't listen to his words, maybe actions will make him understand. 

"Let me show you, Spammy, please....." Tenna begs again, pressing Spamton deeper into the mattress. Every part of him is screaming to take action but the CRT manages to stay patient until he gets the confirmation he's looking for. He's not about to ruin this fragile thing between them just because he can't keep it in his pants. 

Spamton seems a little unsure, squirming in Tenna's hold, avoiding eye contact as his jaw repeatedly opens and then closes again. Tenna lets him take his time. Truth be told, he's not entirely sure about this either. He wants to, HEAVEN does he want to, but it's been a while since he's last gotten intimate with someone. And, well, Spamton doesn't exactly look the same way he used to. Tenna has no idea what he'll find beneath the oversized coat and white pants. But he knows that it doesn't matter, whatever it is. 

Tenna wants Spamton, all of him. 

So when Spamton finally gives him the go-ahead, mumbled into the pillow, Tenna is immediately hyper concentrated on making this good. "[ACCESS GRANTED]....." 

The CRT leans in slowly as to not startle Spamton. Tenna's own screen is turning bright pink, a pleasant buzzing forming within his chest compartment the closer he gets to kissing his old partner. It's been so fucking LONG......

It's not too easy with Spamton's anatomy, cold plastic touching Tenna's lips instead of the fuzzy energy that his Big Shot used to consist of. But it's manageable, and Tenna is pleasantly surprised to discover that Spamton's tongue still has the same texture it used to. Spamton jolts beneath him, caught off guard by how quickly Tenna progresses their kiss, but notably doesn't protest. That's right.....Tenna knew that the mailman just needs a little TLC to be convinced. 

His static tongue eagerly pushes against Spamton's, so overjoyed to have this kind of contact again that Tenna just can't help but lick his lips once Spamton turns his head away to break the kiss. 

"UHM.....[Wowzers!]..... YOU DON'T [wasting away] ANY [Time is of the essence!!], DO YA???" Spamton manages to force out, face now completely red, body occasionally twitching in between Tenna's fingers. 

"It's rude to keep your audience waiting~" Tenna responds smoothly. He almost blows his smug façade by giggling but just barely manages to keep his giddy laughter at bay. "Speaking of waiting, I've been DYING to see what kind of lunch you're packing, if you catch my drift."

Spamton appears to be unamused by the innuendo, blankly staring at the excited TV. He quickly seems to find his footing again, though, slicking back his hair and chuckling to try and come off as cool and collected. Given that the puppet is still shaking in Tenna's hold, the CRT isn't too convinced. "WELL WELL WELL, I DIDN'T [Think of the children!!] MR. [TV Time] W0ULD BE SO [eager to please] SEE THE [18+ explicit images]!!1!"

"Of course I am!" Tenna won't let himself get flustered, fingers sliding down to rest at the waistband of Spamton's pants instead. "Now, may I......?"

Spamton's eyes repeatedly dart between Tenna's screen and the ceiling, obviously struggling to come to a conclusion. Tenna is fine either way. There's lots of things he can do to Spamton, with or without pants. Eventually, the little e-mail parts his legs slightly, holding Tenna's gaze with half-lidded eyes. 

"[PROCEED]." 

Tenna tries to keep himself from growing in size. He's already a tad too big at the moment to properly get down to business, but it's hard not to keep growing when he's being so intimate with Spamton. He leans in to kiss Spamton, hoping to reassure him as he slowly starts to drag down his trousers. Tenna gets distracted for a moment, simply kissing Spamton for a while until he finally decides to look down. What he finds is-

......nothing strange. 

Spamton is completely smooth down there, hard plastic simply rounding and connecting back to his legs. Tenna isn't exactly sure what he was expecting. Addisons don't have genitals, though they do feel pleasure down there nonetheless. It's nothing he hasn't seen before. Actually, Tenna feels relieved that Spamton hasn't changed in that regard. Spamton might've changed in a lot of ways, but his body is still familiar enough for Tenna to remember what to do with it. 

Glancing up, he can see that the flustered puppet has thrown an arm over his eyes, stubbornly refusing to watch Tenna's reaction. Even that is familiar. The first ever time they'd gotten intimate, Spamton had also been surprisingly meek and embarrassed. All that confidence and bravado on stage only to turn into a blushing mess once Tenna finally got his hands on him. The mailman was still bossy, of course, but the way he melted under Tenna's hands was undeniable. 

"You're as cute as ever, Spammy....." Tenna can't help but coo, knowing it'll only get a rise out of Spamton. 

The puppet grits his teeth in annoyance, lifting his arm slightly in order to glare at the CRT, lacking any real intimidation. "SHUT UP [and dance], [cathode]!!!!"

Tenna's hands move to undo Spamton's coat next. The smaller Darkner almost arches right off the bed when his sweater is hiked up, a soft noise escaping him as Tenna caresses his smooth chest. And just hearing that little noise is enough for Tenna to start overheating. His fans whir loudly as his body tries desperately to cool down. HEAVEN, he's missed this. Tenna's hands shake as they explore the mailman's body, eager to re-discover every part of him. 

Spamton's fingers grip the sheets, any sarcastic remarks he might want to say dying on his tongue. He's so sensitive..... Tenna wonders how long it's been since Spamton has been touched like this. The CRT knows it's wrong but, selfishly, he hopes no one else has loved Spamton this intimately since they fell apart. His hope might just be correct, judging by the way the puppet's limbs twitch and shake with every touch. 

Tenna himself is getting progressively more sensitive, his pants becoming unbearably tight as the piece of metal in his pants slowly rises. It's actually pretty strange that Tenna even has this function, given that he's supposed to be a family friendly TV. But it seems like even the parental controls aren't able to quell Tenna's hidden lust when it comes to his Big Shot. 

"Ah, I missed this so much......" Tenna mumbles as he undoes his tie with one hand. "I'll make you feel so GOOD, okay?"

Spamton visibly doesn't know how to react to that, and Tenna doesn't really give him any time either, wrapping his free hand around the little mailman's waist in order to flip him over. In order for this to work, Tenna will have to try and shrink down a few sizes but after that, he can-

.......ah. 

"SORRY....." Spamton trails off, barely audible from where he has pressed his face into the pillow. "NO [Hole in one!!] FOR YOU TO [enjoy at half price]......."

So there are some differences besides texture. Tenna looks with, admittedly, a bit of disappointment at where Spamton's butt is also perfectly smooth. Tenna has no idea why that of all things changed with the mailman's transformation but he supposes that most puppets don't have holes. It's a bit of a bummer but Tenna won't let it bother him too much. It's clearly worse for Spamton himself, the Darkner trying very hard to make himself disappear. As if that would make Tenna not want Spamton anymore. Like that's even possible. 

"Hey, don't worry about it, sweetheart!" The nickname slips out as Tenna caresses the man's back in a soothing pattern. "You know I love a PHYSICAL CHALLENGE!!"

Tenna can tell that Spamton is about to say something snarky so he takes the opportunity to flip his mailman back over. The poor puppet seems awfully shy, nearly nude under Tenna and legs instinctively closing. Tenna himself is quite the mess too, suit half undone and struggling to shrink down to a more appropriate size. Once Tenna is finally down a few feet, he reaches out to forcefully spread Spamton's legs, though he makes sure to be gentle. 

"I'll be expecting a 5 star review after this......" Tenna says, only half joking as he allows his screen to go blank. He'd much prefer to let Spamton look at his expressions but he doesn't want to hurt the puppet with his pointy nose either. 

Tenna's static tongue darts out and places itself flat against Spamton's crotch. The effect is immediate, something akin to a yelp coming from the smaller Darkner as he tries to close his legs. Tenna holds him in place, lapping at smooth plastic, unbothered while Spamton tries desperately to keep his volume steady. The mailman is at a loss for words, advertisements repeatedly starting and cutting off in between glitchy moans. Spamton's arms and legs shake uncontrollably as Tenna goes to town on him. 

Pride quickly fills Tenna's chest compartment. He's the only one who gets to do this to Spamton, the only one to make him feel this good. Back in the day, Tenna knows that there were Darkners who'd kill to have just one night with his Big Shot. But even now, nearly two decades later, Tenna is still the only one to have him. The only one who knows how to make Spamton. G. Spamton scream. 

"T [10 out of 10!]-!!1!! F-F-[file not found]!!!" Incomprehensible gibberish spills from Spamton's mouth as Tenna continues to ravish him. To make things even harder on the puppet, Tenna momentarily stops in order to sink his canines into the hard plastic of Spamton's thigh. 

Glitches erupt from Spamton's body like an explosion, concerning Tenna for a second before it becomes clear that the Cyber World creature must be climaxing. Spamton twitches and spasms against the mattress as he tries to come down from the intense high. 

"Well, that was quick!" Tenna comments, nonchalant. Spamton is so out of it that he doesn't even hit Tenna with a garbled attempt at a curse. "I'm GLAD you enjoyed my services so much!"

Spamton lies there boneless, one of his eyes going static, amusing Tenna with just how affected the puppet is from only a few minutes of intimacy. The CRT slowly finishes undressing while Spamton recovers. Spamton's lack of a hole means Tenna will have to get a little creative but he already has a few ideas of what he could do. 

"Now, don't mind me....." The TV moves to sit back against the headboard of the bed, grabbing a hold of the spent mailman and manoeuvring him into his lap. "I'll try not to take too long, darling."

As much as Tenna would love to drag this out, really overstimulate Spamton until the e-mail begs for him to stop (wow, where'd that come from???), he himself is mere seconds away from popping off like a rocket. For once, Spamton is completely docile, simply allowing Tenna to move him around as he pleases. It's nice to know that there's now a tactic to getting the hothead to settle down. 

Tenna once again has to shrink a bit but eventually manages to find a decent enough position. Spamton is with his back against Tenna's chest, his legs on either side of the CRT's metal dick, oblivious to what Tenna wants him to do until the bigger man whines and nudges him in the side. 

"Spammy, could you just squeeze your legs together, please? I'm about ready to EXPLODE over here....." Tenna pleads, suddenly lacking any of his previous authority once it comes to his own pleasure. It takes a moment for Spamton to register the request but he mercifully decides to do as Tenna asks without a fuss. 

A deep, bit crushed groan leaves Tenna's speakers as Spamton's plastic thighs rub against his crotch. "Oh, that's SO good......!"

Tenna's screen flickers on and off as he starts to move Spamton up and down, hips thrusting upwards in a steady rhythm. He almost lets his claws out in his excitement, barely able to keep himself from scratching into Spamton's sides. Spamton's joints click noisily in tandem with Tenna's overly loud fans going off. Tenna is so happy to be doing this that a flower sprouts from his nose and he reaches his climax not even five seconds later. Something sticky and static shoots from his privates, though the TV isn't too worried about cleaning it up. It'll seize to exist within the next minute or so. 

"Gosh, Spamton, that was.....AMAZING!!" Tenna falls back against the mattress, squeezing Spamton in his arms. "Did you like it too???"

Spamton isn't able to give Tenna his well-deserved praises right now, garbage noise coming from his crackling voicebox as his eyes turn static. Whoops. He must be feeling dizzy, poor guy....

"Oh dear......" Tenna rubs his antennas all over Spamton's face, shoulders sagging in relief when he finds that the puppet at least isn't hurt. "I think a bath might be in order, then?"

Spamton is really out of it, because he doesn't even protest the suggestion of being washed. Tenna almost leaps off the bed and towards the kitchen, his mailman under one arm, the other reaching out to turn on the sink. They've made incredible progress in just one night. It really just goes to show that pursuing Spamton like a maniac is always the correct option, no matter how many years it's been. 

Tenna takes off Spamton's sweater, tossing it somewhere behind him. Maybe he could finally convince the e-mail to wear some of his clothes for the night. For now Tenna focuses on the task at hand, sliding on two rubber gloves to protect his body while he lowers Spamton into the water. It's a good thing the little guy is small enough to fit into his sink. The CRT hums to himself as he washes his old partner, screen remaining pink, the color only deepening when the static finally leaves Spamton's eyes and he leans into Tenna's touch. 

"DON'T [Forget I said anything!] THE [hair shampoo for lice]." Spamton grunts out. Of course he's still as anal as always about his hair.....

Tenna's fingers move to massage the puppet's scalp, a wobbly smile making its way onto his screen when Spamton completely relaxes. "Hey, did I do good???"

Spamton cracks one eye open, seemingly having forgotten about their intimacy before dismissively waving a hand around. "I'D [Say it with him, folks!!] ABOUT [4 Star Hotel]."

"A FOUR?????" Tenna abruptly stops the massage, much to Spamton's audible protest. He shrinks slightly in defeat. "What.....what was wrong with my performance?"

"YOUR [cockatoo] WAS [OWW!! OW IT BURNS!!] ME!!!" Spamton accuses with his arms crossed over his chest. It takes Tenna a second to decode the mess that is Spamton's sentence before he abruptly bursts out laughing. 

Tenna's entire body was overheating earlier so he must've felt unbearably hot against Spamton's bare plastic. 

"Spamton! You KNOW I can't help that!!" The CRT grins, continuing to run his fingers through Spamton's wet hair. "Besides, I didn't hear you COMPLAIN."

"I [Died at the NOW of the Story] AND WENT TO [HEAVEN]!!1!" The e-mail claims with dramatic gestures. "HOW WAS I SUPPOSED T0 [File a complaint?]????"

Another flower blooms, this one quickly falling into the water with Spamton, much to the puppet's dismay. 

Chapter Text

Tenna can hardly believe that they're finally cuddling now. 

The CRT peers down at where Spamton is curled up against his chest, black hair a mess after their earlier activities. Tenna can acknowledge that things have escalated quickly between them. Just earlier today he was absolutely devastated at having upset Spamton so much. Part of Tenna was even afraid that he wouldn't be able to apologize his way out of this one. But just like that, he's managed to worm his way back into the salesman's heart (and pants). 

It hasn't been a week yet, so Spamton is under no obligation to give him an answer right now. But if things keep going the way they are now, Tenna is very confident as to what his mailman's answer will be. 

Tenna grows a few inches and hugs Spamton closer in his excitement. He just looks so cute in the TV Time branded T-shirt Tenna lent him, it serving more as a nightdress on his tiny frame. The TV has to put in an active effort to calm down in order to sleep. He's just feeling very good about the future right now. After everything that's happened these past few days, Tenna clings onto this newfound sense of hope like a lifeline. 

His screen starts to dim slowly, and before long, Tenna drifts away to projections of old gameshows and ad-breaks for Cungaderos. 

The Lightners are back in town. 

Tenna almost drops the items he just got from Swatch's café upon hearing that familiar, booming laugh coming from Castletown's entrance. Glancing over, he sees none other than Kris and Susie, seemingly laughing and joking with Ralsei. Tenna debates with himself whether or not to go over to them. Of course he loves to talk with his Lightners, but-

What if they're here for Spamton? 

They're only just starting to get closer.....Tenna can't stand the thought of having to let go of the puppet already. If ever. They can't just provide Tenna with this incredible opportunity at reconciliation only to rip it away at the last second!! Before the CRT can overthink it too much, though, he's spotted by the very Lightners he just considered avoiding.

"HEY!!! Mr. Tenna!" Susie rushes over to him and Tenna just doesn't have it in him to walk away. He's unable to supress his natural instinct to please and entertain any Lightner that looks his way. 

"SUSIE!! How's my favorite contestant doing?~" Tenna sing-songs as she approaches. The purple Lightner shrugs, kicking at a nearby pebble. 

"Meh. Could be better, could be worse." Tenna doesn't have time to decipher the non-committal answer before Susie barrels right on. "We're still looking for a new home for you, sorry it's taking so long......"

Tenna's chest compartment tightens, truly touched by the girl's dedication to finding him a new place to live. He struggles not to confess the fact that he's already plenty happy out here, as long as he's got his dear companion with him. Of course Tenna wants his Light world form to be somewhere safe, somewhere he is loved and appreciated. But it's true that the CRT has barely been thinking about his actual purpose of entertaining Lightners. No matter how many years have passed, Spamton still remains his greatest distraction......

"Don't you WORRY about that, Susie!! I'm doing really good out here! Please, take as long as you need!!" Tenna cringes a little at his own enthusiasm when Susie regards him with a confused gaze. 

Tenna knows that his current behavior isn't exactly in line with how he was acting right before the Knight slashed him. He was completely breaking down over potentially being abandoned and irrelevant and here he is, days later, not at all worried about finding a new home. 

"Huh? I mean.....sure, I guess. I'm....happy?? That you're doin' good???" Susie, bless her, at least tries to roll with Tenna's strange switch-up. The TV naively hopes that the interaction will proceed without any mentions of the mailman at all, but that hope is quickly crushed when Susie adds: "Oh, by the way, any idea where that one guy is? Uh.....the one that turns into glasses for us."

"Spamton." Kris aids from where they've been motionlessly standing around. Sometimes Tenna wonders if Spamton is the only puppet around here. 

"OH! THAT guy!" Tenna pretends to think about it, hopes that his monitor isn't displaying any artificial sweat. "Hmmm.......NOPE! Haven't seen 'im!! You know the fella, he's probably out dumpster diving somewhere!"

Tenna crosses his fingers behind his back and wishes to every single star in the galaxy that the e-mail in question won't suddenly walk out of the castle. Don't take him from me yet......

"I guess so......" Susie absent-mindedly scratches at her jaw, lazily looking around in a half-hearted attempt to spot the crooked salesman. 

"Would you two like for me to go find Mr. Spamton right now?" Ralsei offers, helpful as always, much to Tenna's frustration.

Say no. Say no. Say no. SAY NO. SAY NO. SAY N-

"Hmmm nah." The axe-wielding lizard decides. "It's not super important right now, we just gotta make sure he's back on the team in time for our next adventure."

Tenna almost throws his arms up in joy but manages to stop himself at the last second. "WELL!! I'll keep an eye out for the little guy! Anything for my lovely contestants!"

"I'll watch out for him too!" Okay, so Tenna will have to make sure that Spamton and Ralsei don't accidentally bump into each other. Great.

Kris and Susie say their goodbyes, prompting Tenna to make a quick excuse to leave in order not to be interrogated by the little prince. The CRT doesn't feel too good about blatantly lying about knowing Spamton's whereabouts but the Lightners really aren't leaving him any other choice. He rushes back to the castle, arms full of items, his fans still whirring with the abrupt increase of stress he just experienced. Tenna is darn lucky that Kris and Susie left as quickly as they did. 

But next time he might not be so lucky.....

His antennas, previously hunched over in his gloobiness, perk up once he spots a certain salesman lounging around on his mattress. Spamton is still half asleep, jaw opening and closing slightly as he squirms around, getting tangled in the blanket. A flower immediately sprouts from Tenna's nose and he makes quick work of putting away the healing items he got. Tenna all but hops onto the bed, mindful not to squish Spamton beneath his body. 

"Good MORNING!!" Tenna greets the other man, poking the sleepy puppet with his fingers.  

Spamton makes a garbled, strange static noise. Tenna pouts a little when Spamton defiantly puts his feet against his screen when he leans in for a kiss. Surely the mailman won't be all shy about showing affection after what they did last night?

"Wake up, Spammy~" Tenna pins Spamton's legs back down, moving to poke him with his nose instead. "I got lots of items from Swatch's café."

That, of course, immediately makes Spamton crack one eye open. Tenna smiles down at him, his grin only widening when a light blush appears on that pale face. "YOU'RE A [Creepers Jeepers], [cathode]......"

"Takes one to know one." Tenna retorts before rolling off of Spamton. "Now, come eat before I consume everything myself!"

Spamton doesn't need to be told twice, practically leaping out of bed and rushing to sit at the kitchen island. Before long they're eating in comfortable silence for the second time since this whole deal started. Tenna could absolutely get used to this. Unfortunately Spamton quickly decides to break the cosy silence with an uncomfortable question. 

"HAVE YOU [See that girl, watch that scene] THE [little sponge] LATELY??" Tenna is very grateful not to have eyes, Spamton oblivious to the way the CRT is looking everywhere but at him. 

"NOPE! Nada! No little sponges around here!!" Tenna lies through gritted teeth. "They must be so busy with SCHOOL! You know how it is, haha....."

Tenna squirms under Spamton's eerily blank gaze, feels as if the puppet can see right through his machinery. He doesn't comment on Tenna's awkward shifting, though, instead continuing to eat and seemingly taking the TV's words as truth. Tenna almost sighs in relief and uses the opportunity to change subjects. 

"So!! I was thinking of going on a walk after breakfast." Tenna clasps his hands together, looking at his ex-business partner with a hopeful smile. "Care to join me??"

Spamton shrugs in response, not exactly matching Tenna's enthusiasm but not rejecting him either. Which is a win in Tenna's book. "[REQUEST ACCEPTED]."

"FAN-TAS-TIC!!!" The TV shoots up in size, nearly knocking over the table and by extension Spamton, who has to hold onto his stool for dear life. 

"[Relax, take it easy], [Trash Heap]!!1!!" Spamton scolds, agitated with Tenna's shenanigans. "YOU'RE [Ruined your white pants?? No problem!!] THIS [5 Star Hotel] BREAKFAST!!!"

"Apologies." Tenna says, not at all sorry. "You know I get excited!!"

Once they're outside, Tenna wraps an arm around Spamton's shoulders, nervously glancing around for any fluffy boys as he steers the puppet towards the woods. Spamton doesn't seem too pleased about being herded around like a sheep but doesn't shrug off Tenna's arm. If this keeps up, maybe Tenna will even be able to hold his mailman's hand again. Oh, wouldn't that be a dream......

"Uhm, actually, I was wondering......" The TV starts off once they're far away enough from Castletown. "What did you.....do after leaving TV World? I mean, like, where did you stay? I heard you got evicted from the Queen's mansion, so....."

Tenna hopes it isn't too soon to bring up their past again but it's really gnawing at him. He can't help but wonder just what exactly Spamton has been up to these past years. Definitely nothing good, judging by the physical transformation and generally off-putting behavior. 

Spamton goes quiet for a moment, looking almost.....embarrassed before sheepishly adjusting his coat. "AFTER THAT DAMN [easel] TOSSED ME OUT LIKE [garbage disposal] I HAD TO [Live and learn] ON THE [street smarts]......."

Tenna's expression immediately falters. It doesn't take long for his system to produce all kinds of images of his Big Shot, freshly evicted, red suit all dirty as he sleeps under a soaked newspaper. Maybe it's an exaggerated image, but it's probably not too far off from the truth, given how uncharacteristically ashamed Spamton looks. 

"You.....you what?" Tenna puts a hand over his mouth, horrified. "Did.....did you have to.....s-sleep in dumpsters and stuff?" 

The CRT can't even begin to imagine what that's like. But Spamton bursts out laughing at his question as if he's just heard a hilarious joke. 

"EAHAEHAHA!!1!!! [Right on the money]!!!" Spamton slicks his hair back with a shaky hand, betraying just how affected he is by the subject despite his feigned nonchalance. "YOU KNOW, THE [Dump your boyfriend!!] ISN'T THAT BAD WITH A [Buy 1 pillow, get 1 free!]!!"

"Spamton, I'm so sorry......" Tenna blurts out, unable to help himself. Suddenly all of Spamton's strange behavior when he first saw Tenna's room makes a lot of sense. "That's just.....gosh, I can't imagine how hard that must've been......"

Spamton blankly stares at him, as if somehow confused that Tenna isn't amused upon hearing the puppet's blatantly awful living conditions. The thought of a much younger Spamton being left to fend for himself on the streets is enough for tears to start gathering at the edge of Tenna's screen. 

"WHY AREN'T YOU [laughing and smiling], [cathode]??? ISN'T IT [Hilarious joke book]????" Spamton genuinely doesn't seem to understand how horrified Tenna is, raised hands slowly lowering as the TV shrinks a few feet. "WHY ARE YOU [Crying with laughter]?"

The puppet finally realizes that it's no laughing matter to Tenna. The CRT watches with increasing dread as those eyes go completely static once more, similar to how Spamton looked when they discussed the phone. 

"Spamton......?" Tenna mumbles after an uncomfortably long few seconds of his mailman standing there motionlessly. "Are....are you alright?"

Spamton looks similar to a TV that has lost its signal, the white noise in his eyes moving like falling snow. When the e-mail eventually speaks, his voice sounds far away, as if speaking from outside his own body. "Can anyone hear me.....? Help......"

That really freaks Tenna out. He kneels down in front of his former lover, grabbing both of Spamton's hands in a desperate attempt to ground him somehow. "Spamton, sweetheart? I-I can hear you! You're okay, Spammy, I promise, I......I'm here with you."

Tenna isn't sure what triggered such an intense episode, doesn't know why Spamton looks so removed from himself while in this state, but eventually bursts of color start to replace the monochrome static. Spamton blinks, looking around as if he himself doesn't know what just happened. Tenna is overwhelmed with the primal urge to comfort and can't keep himself from hugging the little mailman close to his body. 

"Spamton, I......" Tenna's screen goes blank as static tears soak Spamton's coat. "I won't ever let you go again. You won't ever end up in the trash again. And if you do, I'll be right there with you......"

That gets a chuckle out of Spamton, his previously tense body relaxing slightly as he returns Tenna's embrace. "DON'T THINK THE [dumpster diving] IS [NOW'S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A BIG-] ENOUGH FOR [Get both at half price!] OF US." 

Tenna huffs, annoyed that Spamton isn't taking his words of devotion seriously. "Then I'll shrink!! Who cares about the logistics, Spamton???"

The puppet doesn't have a snarky reply to that, now somewhat limp in Tenna's arms. The CRT still hasn't released him and he doesn't plan on it any time soon. But much to Tenna's despair, he spots a speck of green steadily approaching in the distance. A speck of green, and white, and pink and-

CRAP.

"WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK, FOLKS!!" Tenna squeaks out to his imaginary audience, ignoring the confused noise coming from Spamton. They have to hide before Ralsei spots them. The CRT looks around in a panic, legs taking him over to a large tree further down the path. 

"F*#%!!1!!!" Spamton attempts to swear as he's unceremoniously dragged off by Tenna. "WHAT THE [Hell if I know!] ARE YOU [I'm doing you a favour], [Trash Heap]????"

"SHUT UP!!!" Tenna hisses through clenched teeth. "You're gonna get us CAUGHT!"

"CAUGHT [Bye bye bye] WH-" Spamton can't even finish his sentence before Tenna panics upon seeing Ralsei grow closer and closer to where they're hiding. 

He impulsively grabs a hold of Spamton's waist and slams the smaller Darkner against the tree trunk, interrupting Spamton's angry rant by pressing his lips against his. Spamton freezes in Tenna's hold, the CRT continuing to hold him against the tree and kissing him with brute force. 

Tenna keeps the two of them perfectly still until Ralsei has finally walked past, the prince disappearing somewhere behind the line of trees. Phew, that was close.....

"Sorry about that!" Tenna pulls away, gently setting Spamton back down and sheepishly rubbing at the back of his neck when the puppet staggers backwards onto his ass. "Oh, dear.....I'm sorry for, uh, being so passionate!"

It was the best Tenna could come up with in such a short time span. Spamton doesn't look too amused, face beet red and unsettling smile strained. Tenna can't quite tell if the mailman is flustered or angry. Perhaps both. Another apology is on the tip of his tongue but before Tenna can express his remorse again, Spamton jumps to his feet and leaps up at him. 

"EEK-!" Tenna flinches, fully expecting some kind of attack. Instead, he's grabbed roughly by the collar, and with little grace, Spamton knocks his jaw against the side of Tenna's screen in what must be an attempt at a kiss. 

Spamton jumps down immediately after, visibly surprised by his own actions. Tenna slowly raises a hand to rest over where he's just been kissed, screen turning a bright pink. Oh. This is the first time Spamton has initiated a kiss. Tenna can feel himself growing several feet while Spamton slaps his hands over his own mouth. 

"OH, SPAMMY!!~" Tenna coos, suddenly unconcerned with the volume of his speakers. You can't blame him for feeling groovy after such a sweet act of affection. 

Spamton stupidly stares up at him for a moment, the remnants of a blush still very present on his face, before he turns around and abruptly takes off running. The sight of Spamton running away surprisingly doesn't trigger something unpleasant within Tenna. No, he's absolutely ecstatic, a giggle sound effect escaping him as he simply runs after the e-mail. 

Tenna is more than happy to chase after what he wants, especially when it's so obvious that Spamton wants to be chased. 

Chapter Text

Despite Spamton's best efforts, it's becoming harder and harder for him not to give into Tenna's (and by proxy his own) desires. 

After the passionate night they spent together, Spamton's walls steadily begun crumbling down. He'd like to blame it on his years of loneliness. On how he's been completely starved of any loving touch. Which is definitely a big part of it, but the puppet can't blame it all on that. Old, suppressed feelings had bubbled back to the surface once Tenna's hands were on his body. Spamton almost couldn't handle how tender the CRT was being with him. That he still looks at Spamton the same way he used to. 

The salesman feels undeniably fond of Tenna, no matter how much he tries to distance himself. Spamton still loves the man, for HEAVEN's sake. A realization that makes something bitter crawl up his throat. There's still lingering resentment he holds for the TV, despite Tenna's grandiose acts of affection. And Spamton knows it's not fair. Things ending as badly as they did between them was a result of mutual miscommunication and the man on the phone's influence. Tenna didn't mean to abandon him and vice versa. 

But it's still difficult for Spamton to just.....accept Tenna's love. It's been so long and Spamton is so different now. How could they ever go back to the way they used to? It seems impossible. Something as unobtainable as HEAVEN. It feels like he's just waiting for the other shoe to drop, for this pleasant thing between them to inevitably come to an end. 

Those thoughts haven't stopped Spamton from curling up under Tenna's arm at night, though. 

It's awfully embarrassing, considering the puppet was stubbornly snoozing underneath the bed not that long ago. But the warmth of Tenna's fuzzy screen ultimately won him over. The CRT's never ending persistence (note: harassment) is both infuriating and endearing. Spamton is angry with himself for having yet again failed to exercise self-restraint when it comes to Tenna. Even when he used to be a big shot, he wasn't able to resist the TV's charm. 

At least I haven't agreed to anything official yet, Spamton internally tries to justify as he pulls his idiot roommate closer by his antennas. 

How did it escalate this quickly? Less than a week ago Tenna had covered him in foam, completely disgusted with him and now the two of them are on the cathode's bed, lazily making out. Spamton can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, prompting Tenna to giggle into his open jaw, despite having no clue what's so damn funny. 

"Ticklish?" Tenna guesses, fingers sneaking under Spamton's sweater. The e-mail squirms beneath him.

"DON'T BE [RIDICULOUS prices!!], [cathode]!!!! I DON'T [feel the love tonight] ANYTHING." Spamton tries to deflect but it falls on deaf antennas. 

"Hmm.....I didn't get that impression the other day." The CRT teases with a little smirk. "You were definitely feeling the LOVE that night, weren't you???"

Spamton places both hands on Tenna's screen, defiantly pushing him away. "[ACCESS DENIED], I FELT [nothing special]!!! NOTHING, I TELL YOU!!!"

"Deny it all you want, Spammy, I know how you really feel~" Spamton could just smack the smug grin right off the TV's face. But he chooses peace for now, gently tugging on an antenna in retaliation. 

"MAYBE IF YOU GIVE ME [the goods], I'LL CHANGE MY [Inside The Mind Of A Tasque]!!" Just as Spamton throws a leg around Tenna's waist, there's an overly polite knock on the door. The puppet rolls his eyes at the sound. Already knows who it is. 

"Mr. Tenna?" Swatch's buttery smooth voice pipes up from behind the door. "I'm here with an Ambuylance to oversee your healing progress."

"Woops, I forgot about that....." Tenna apologetically mumbles to the mailman before raising his voice. "I'll be RIGHT there, my friend!!"

Tenna rolls himself off of the small Darkner, antennas drooping slightly at the prospect of the two of them, HEAVEN forbid, separating for an hour. Tenna's anxiously clingy behavior is something Spamton still isn't used to. 

"JUST GO SEE THE [Doctor's office], [ant-sized]." Spamton reclines back against the wall, not at all upset about getting some time to himself. "I'LL [probably] STILL BE [here and there and everywhere]!!!"

"What do you mean probably?" Tenna crosses his arms over his chest, clearly displeased. 

"OH I'M [sorry for your loss], I DIDN'T REALIZE THIS WAS A [Prison Break]!!!" The mailman releases a crackling sigh when Tenna noticeably shrinks at his words. "LIGHTEN UP, [Trash Heap]!! I'M ONLY [30 offensive jokes not to say around-]!!!"

Tenna grows back a bit, a light blush appearing on his screen, possibly the result of the TV realizing how ridiculously clingy he's being. "Right, right..... Well!! I'll see you soon, Spam!! Don't break anything while I'm out, please."

"I'LL BE AN [Cruel Angel's Thesis]." Spamton promises, not at all intent on actually delivering on it. 

Once Tenna is out the door, Spamton makes a beeline for the kitchen. The TV brought back a jar of cookies, the treats all in the shape of that little boy Spamton has unfortunately shared Kris' pocket with. Well, Lancer wasn't too bad of a roommate. Unlike that cheating, teasing clown..... 

Spamton frowns to himself as he mindlessly chews on a cookie, the image of Jevil immediately souring his mood. He really hates to lose. Which made Jevil the absolute worst opponent to play games with. The damn clown never even had the decency to let Spamton win a single time, even though Lancer mysteriously managed to outplay both of them at cards several times. What a bastard..... 

Spamton can't exactly say that he hates the guy, maybe they've even made out a few times but....still. Jevil is seriously annoying. 

He's startled out of his stewing by a sharp ringing noise. Spamton's eyes automatically find the pipis Tenna has kept safe, though logically he knows it couldn't have come from her. It rings again. And again. 

The phone is ringing. 

But there is no phone in Tenna's room. 

Spamton keeps eating the cookies, tries to ignore the increasing volume of the phone, of HIM trying to reach out. He knows he's just having an auditory hallucination. Kris once bluntly told him that there wasn't anyone calling him when they visited his shop. That had kind of contributed to Spamton's quick spiraling into madness, even though, deep down, he already knew that there wasn't anyone on the other end of the line. 

There's no one there. 

The mailman tolerates it for a few more seconds before the ringing becomes overwhelming and he pushes the jar of cookies aside. Spamton all but flees the room in an attempt to escape the aggressive noises plaguing him. Walking away seems to help, as the ringing slowly but surely quiets down until it's just the familiar white noise inside his own head. Spamton wanders out of the castle, still a little dazed from the sudden scare. The horror isn't quite over yet, though, because the e-mail soon stumbles upon a colorful group of advertisements. 

GodDAMN it. 

Spamton groans in despair upon making eye contact with Orange, who at least pulls less of a face than Pink does. "Oh, Spamton!"

"[Terrible, no good] TO SEE YOU GUYS!!!" Spamton greets them with a huge, strained smile. He's already moving to walk around the little group but Pink annoyingly decides to step right into his path. 

"Actually, we wanted to ask you something!!" Pink puts his hands on his hips, not exactly looking intimidating, more like a mother scolding her child. "What's the deal with you and Ant Tenna? You two look.....awfully close."

Spamton's smile twitches at the corners. He's barely able to keep down a manic giggle, intense gratification erupting within him at the unmistakable jealousy in his ex co-worker's voice. "WELL, IN CASE YOU [Forget I said anything!].....ME AND [TV Time] USED TO BE CO[Shared Web Hosting]!!!"

"No, we know." Yellow interjects with a sigh. "But that was a long time ago! We're just wondering what relationship you guys have.....now."

"EAHAEHAHA!!1!!! WHAT'S [IT BURNS!! OW!!] TO YOU [girls and gays]??? TRYING TO GET INTO THAT [sweet, sweet nectar] [HOT CELEBRITY GOSSIP]??" The mailman narrows his eyes in suspicion. Why do they give a shit about his relationship to the cathode? Unless-

"Well, it's just-since we'll be working with him soon-" Blue stammers out, seemingly trying to find the right words. "We were just wondering if Mr. Tenna hired you again or something."

Spamton has to take a few seconds to really decode what's being said. Working together with Tenna? Them? Since when has that been decided??? Unless Tenna was stupid enough to promise these guys an opportunity to work with him, this is just plain old Addison delusion. Spamton and the CRT definitely aren't co-workers anymore but the e-mail feels himself becoming defensive at the implication that Tenna hiring him again would be so strange. 

Well, it would be strange. But still. That's not up to THEM to decide!!!

"AND WHAT [if you could turn back time] HE DID???" Spamton crosses his arms, defensive. The multicolor pack of traitors all share glances, some worried, some annoyed. 

"Why in HEAVEN's name would Tenna hire you again?? Didn't you walk out on him?" Pink's accusatory statement immediately causes Spamton's face to turn red in anger. How dare these assholes.....

"YOU DON'T [Knowledge is power] #H!%!!!!" The puppet screams in Pink's face, fingers tugging at his own hair in frustration. The Addisons all back up as if somehow surprised by Spamton's outburst. Like they're not the ones actively causing it. "LIKE YOU CAN [Sweet Talk] ABOUT WALKING 0UT ON [Somebody I Used To Know]!!!1!!"

"W-what's that supposed to mean?" Orange seems to know damn well what he's referring to, judging by the lack of confidence in her own question. 

"DON'T PLAY GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES G A ME S-" Spamton whacks the side of his head to stop the loop, ignorant to the way his ex-coworkers unanimously cringe at the violence. "-GAMES [with extra bonus content] ME!!! YOU ALL [Abandoned parking lot] ME FOR THE [slime]!!!!"

Spamton himself has to admit that the last advertisement is quite nonsensical but it appears that the Addisons get the gist of what he's saying. How can they not? They know damn well what they did to him. Or what they didn't do..... 

"Spamton, we-" Blue awkwardly runs a hand through their hair. "We didn't mean to just.....y'know-"

"NO, I DON'T K NOW!!!!!!" The corrupted e-mail hollers, unable to control his volume. People around town are starting to look but he couldn't be bothered to care right now. He's been looking for a chance to scream at these traitors. "WHY [Did I hear that right??] YOU D0 IT??? [Why wait?] DIDN'T Y0U [can anyone hear me....?.....help....]"

Spamton can feel his eyes fill up with static, his vision turning grainy as his arms fall limp at his sides. The Addisons are just watercolor smears now. They're moving around a lot but he can't make out what they're saying. Spamton doesn't even realize that his jaw has opened up, that it's his own voice speaking out loud. 

".......why won't anyone help? I just need someone......." 

Things grow quiet around Spamton, other than the persistent static noise in his own head. He's still not aware of his own surroundings, in a dazed state, unresponsive to the loud footsteps behind him and the colors freezing in place. The ground below Spamton shifts and disappears as his eyes are met with grainy red instead. More voices around him, some of them shaking and one in particular deep and crackling. As Spamton is lightly rocked back and forth with constant movement, he slowly starts to get a bit of clarity. He still can't see very well but he can make out someone talking to him. 

"Sp....a....mton? Spamton, darling?" Tenna mumbles to him. There's something pushing through Spamton's hair. Presumably the CRT's antennas. "Damn it.....what did they say to you??"

The mailman can't quite recall right now. Barely even recognizes that they're in Tenna's room again, on the TV's bed. At least the phone stopped ringing. The cathode cradles Spamton in his arms, holds him tight against his body. Spamton can hear his fans blowing in what must be an attempt to cool Tenna down. 

"....crap.....why couldn't I get there earlier.....?" The CRT continues talking under his breath, screen slowly dimming until it's completely dark. "Those damn Addisons......"

The world around Spamton is getting less grainy with the minute, though the puppet still finds it hard to really focus. It can be hard to snap out of these episodes sometimes. 

"I could've killed them, Spamton......" Tenna barrels on, seemingly in a trance of his own. "Really make them pay....."

It takes a second for the words to register, but when they do, Spamton is so startled that his vision fixes itself. He looks up at Tenna with wide eyes, frightened by the mumbled admission and the blank screen. Spamton's jaw opens and closes repeatedly but no words come out. Tenna quickly realizes what he's said, nose abruptly popping out of his monitor as he regains his face. 

What?

Crap!!! Why did I just say that???? I didn't mean that!!!

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't MEAN that!" Tenna rushes to soothe the startled puppet, adjusting his hold on Spamton to embrace him properly. "Shi-uh schnitzel!! Spamton, I'm sorry, I.....I just wasn't thinking, promise. I'd never actually....y'know...."

It takes a long moment, but eventually Spamton's tiny frame doesn't feel as tense in Tenna's hands. The salesman is still coming to himself again, shuddering slightly, quietly breaking the CRT's heart-shaped object. The urge to comfort completely overwhelms Tenna as he runs his fingers through Spamton's hair. 

Gosh, why did he say that?

Thinking about such things is one thing. Tenna admittedly did feel white hot rage upon seeing Spamton in such a state, in front of the people he supposedly hates no less. The Addisons couldn't give him a proper response when he asked them what happened, though that might've partially been because he had his claws out. Tenna knows that, logically, he doesn't have any context and that this isn't the first time Spamton has an episode out of nowhere. Maybe they didn't actually do anything to his little mailman. 

Still, Tenna can get in his head sometimes. He hadn't meant to start mumbling anything scary. Especially not something like that. Tenna doesn't actually want to hurt anybody. No way, not him! He could never. He just got a little overheated, is all. Who wouldn't go a tad crazy at seeing their partner, completely out of it, surrounded by people said partner famously hates? Tenna honestly thinks he kept his cool pretty well, all things considered. 

Tenna flinches when Spamton suddenly pulls back, loosening his grip on the puppet in order to let Spamton put some distance between them. His antennas droop at the sight of his ex business partner looking so defeated. It's at least nice to see him without static in his eyes.....

"What happened, Spammy?" Tenna asks gently, slipping the e-mail's hand into his. 

"DON'T KNOW." Spamton shrugs. He's stubbornly looking at the wall behind Tenna. "[Guess that celebrity!] I JUST HAD A [Pokémon randomizer] EPISODE......"

Tenna can tell that Spamton isn't entirely being honest with him, but he doesn't quite have the heart to push the subject right now. The salesman is probably exhausted after such an intense episode. Tenna will just have to try and distract him, then. 

"Well....." He trails off, trying to think of something nice to do. "Oh! How about a DATE??"

Spamton finally meets his gaze, though his eyes are squinted in suspicion. "A [Blind dating experience!!]??"

"Not a blind date, silly!" Tenna teases, playing into the ad. "Or maybe it is, considering I don't have eyes."

The mailman doesn't laugh at his joke, but he is starting to smile again, much to Tenna's relief. "Just kidding! Anyways, I was thinking we could have dinner at the café tonight!! You and me, like the good old days! Sharing drinks, laughter, a be-"

"OK, OK!!!" Spamton interjects, a light blush coloring his chalk white face. "GET IT [Let's do this together!!], [cathode]!! YOU [Freaking Out] PERVERT!!1!!!"

"Not a pervert." Tenna insists with a pout before quickly lighting up again. "But GREAT!! I'll make sure to get us a table!!"

He's already halfway off the bed, planning on making the reservation right now, but he's stopped by a hand tugging at his coat. Spamton's expression is perfectly neutral but as usual he can't hide how red his face is getting. He's just too cute.....

"MAYBE WE SHOULD [hit the snooze button] FIRST??" Spamton pats a pillow on the bed and peers up at the TV from over his glasses. "YOU'RE STILL [Too Hot To Handle], YOU KNOW!!!"

To Tenna it sounds like an excuse to cuddle. Good thing he loves to do just that. He hops right back onto the mattress with Spamton, nearly sending the poor puppet flying through the ceiling as he's bounced off the bed. Tenna easily catches him in his arms, amused by the censored swears coming from Spamton in protest. He notably doesn't put up a fight to being used like a teddy bear, though. Tenna can't help but let a high pitched giggle slip out, much to the other man's annoyance. 

He just can't wait for the week to be over. 

"I take it you like the food?" Tenna hums, watching Spamton completely violate his second plate of Spaghetti Code. The pasta sauce smeared all around Spamton's mouth and the manic grin make him look like he just got off the set for a horror movie. 

Which Tenna finds quite charming.

"IT'S A [10 out of 10]!!!!" Spamton throws his arms up in joy. "I'LL GIVE IT TO [easels], THEY KNOW HOW TO RUN A [Kitchen Nightmares]!!!!" 

A flower blooms from Tenna's nose as he takes a bite of his own food. His screen is fuzzy and bright, his smile stretched impossibly wide at just how happy Spamton looks. It's such a contrast to earlier today that Tenna could cry. If there's one thing he loves more than TV, it's seeing his little mailman enjoying himself. 

"H EY!! YOU WANT TO [try these INCREDIBLE deals!!] SOME OF [What's mine is yours!]???" Spamton uncharacteristically offers to share, reaching out a forkful of spaghetti towards the CRT. 

"O-oh!! Sure!" Tenna leans in to take a bite. The pasta is warm and nice, the added tomato sauce so good that the TV even considers ordering a plate of his own. "WOW!!! This is FANTASTIC!"

"Would you like some of mine?" Tenna holds out his own plate of food, something tasty from Cyber World he doesn't recognize. 

"DON'T MIND IF I [do me a favour]!!!!" 

For whatever reason, Spamton's head grows three sizes as he opens his jaw wide. Tenna watches in horror as his plate of food slowly but surely gets sucked towards Spamton's waiting mouth. Since when can he do that???? "H-HEY!!!!"

At the last second, Spamton's head goes back to normal and, with a smirk, the puppet helps himself to only a handful of Tenna's meal. Tenna gently kicks whatever part of the e-mail he can reach under the table, though quickly breaks into a smile at the booming laughter coming from his companion. Spamton is in such good spirits that he doesn't even seem to notice the orange Addison walking through the door, who looks quite nervous to see the two of them in the café.

Tenna smiles at her, tries not to scare the Addison off. He's come to the conclusion that he might have overreacted a tiny bit earlier. He has no intent to harm these guys, even if he's still going to make damn sure they're never alone with Spamton again. Orange gives a shaky smile back, seemingly confused by the CRT's mood swing, and goes to sit at the back of the café. 

"[TV Time]??" Tenna turns his attention back to Spamton, who sits there with a noticeably empty glass. "ANOTHER [FUN drinking games for adults!!] POUR MOI???"

"I'm not your sugar daddy, Spamton!!" Tenna huffs, already beckoning a Swatchling. 

Today's troubles aside, Tenna is feeling really good about this whole thing between him and Spamton. They're getting closer and closer every day. In a way, it feels like Tenna is even closer to Spamton than he used to be. Maybe it's the strange circumstances, or just the result of growing older and wiser, but Tenna feels like everything is going to be okay. 

Like nothing or no one can come in between them. 

Chapter Text

Spamton wakes up feeling surprisingly......generous. 

It's not like he never shares or anything, just.....not often. Not out of malice, per se, it's just that Spamton currently doesn't have much Kromer to his name. Besides, he's never been one to turn down freebies. If some rich sap like Tenna just happens to like paying for all of Spamton's meals, who is he to rain on the cathode's parade? So what if he helped himself to 5 acid drinks and 6 Spaghetti Codes (not including dessert) last night? 

......right. 

It's purely out of the kindness of Spamton's [heart-shaped object] that he goes out to visit the old shopkeeper's store in the early hours of the morning. Only a handful of Card Kingdom Darkners are trudging along, no one paying him any attention. Spamton heads to the shop with a pep in his step. He's got a bit of cash on hand from his adventures with the Lightners. Spamton reasons that it's quite fair for him to get 20% of what he manages to pick-pocket from various foes. He's providing a service, after all!!

And, well, maybe Spamton feels like providing a service for Tenna this time. Just to keep the CRT on his toes, of course. Seam's wares might not be as polished and fancy as Swatch's, but Spamton is sure that he'll be able to find something that pleases Tenna. Actually, chances are that the clingy TV will be pleased with anything as long as it's from Spamton. 

The little bell to the shop tings as Spamton steps inside. The puppet waits by the entrance, looks around the humble tent while he listens to shuffling coming from further inside the store. He's only ever been here once, perched on top of Kris' head, so he's never really gotten a good look at all the knick-knacks in here. Something about the place unsettles Spamton slightly, though he suspects that it must be because of Seam's ties to that damn clown. Part of him wonders if Jevil has shared any.....knowledge with the old cat. Knowledge that could've possibly resulted in Jevil's imprisonment. 

He's not too sure. Their situations are similar, but not identical. Spamton figures that comparing the mess of his and Tenna's relationship to the enigma of Jevil and Seam's is ultimately useless. They're not the same, after all. 

"Oh!" A soft but gruff voice pipes up. Spamton looks up to see the frazzled cat smiling at him from behind the counter. "Well, if it isn't the salesman. Welcome to my little 'Seap', haha......"

Seam seems quite satisfied with their own pun. Spamton doesn't humor them with a laugh, stepping up to the counter in order to look at the items on display. "GOOD TO [c] YA, [Cat In The Hat]!!! GOT ANY [goods] IN STOCK FOR A [Cathode-ray tube]???" 

"Hmmm......" Seam hums as they glance around, though not without offering Spamton a knowing look. "For your partner, I take it?"

Spamton sputters slightly at that. Just what does everyone think him and Tenna have going on??? "FOR MY [colleague Christmas party], THANK U!!!!"

"I see, I see." The cat chuckles to themselves before presenting the e-mail with a jar of candies. "He likes sweet things, doesn't he? I think he'll enjoy these."

Tenna's sweet tooth is no secret to anyone. Spamton nods, digging around in his pocket for some bills. "PERFECT [recommended songs]!!! I'LL TAKE [10 Things I Hate About You]!!"

"Thanks for that." Seam accepts the money before fishing out 10 pieces of star-shaped candy. "Anything else I can do for you?"

Spamton's eyes fleet towards a sewn plush, resembling a sheep. It might even pass for a goat. Tenna's always been the sentimental type so Spamton can only assume he'd love this sort of thing. 

"CAN I GET [this and that] [tutu]??" The puppet points to the plushie, deliberately looking away from Seam's amused expression and all but shoving the money into their hands. 

"You're very sweet to him." Seam remarks, good-natured and completely oblivious to Spamton's rather unpleasant past actions. "By the by, the heroes came into my shop just a few minutes ago. They were asking after you, you know." 

"F[FUDGE CUBES]......" Spamton mumbles out loud, guilt quickly manifesting in his chest compartment. He's been neglecting his duties as a valuable member of the party. All because of that freaking TV...... "ARE [they/them] STILL [Find the best sales HERE!!]???" 

Seam shakes their head. "I'm afraid not. They seemed to be in an awful rush. Something about a new Dark Fountain opening up, I believe."

Fuuuuuuck. Spamton could kick himself for being so distracted but there's no point getting upset about it now. The Lightners are already long gone and there's no way he can find out where they are. 

Eh. They'll be fine. Spamton is positive that they'll survive, even without his incredible deals. Still, it doesn't feel too great to be staying behind while the heroes are out there risking their lives. But seriously, couldn't they have come looking for him earlier??? Where have those little idiots been the past few days?

Spamton is a bit dejected when he eventually leaves the shop, mood only worsening once he hears a familiar chuckle. 

"MY, MY. IF IT ISN'T THE CROOKED SALESMAN!" Much to his increasing despair, Jevil floats out from the shadows of Seam's shop. Fucking creep. "IT'S BEEN A WHILE, WHILE."

"[shucks] TO SEE Y0U." Spamton crosses his arms over his chest, not at all impressed with the jester. "AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO [Be Mine] WITH THE [light sun-screen for sensitive skin]???" 

"SPEAK FOR YOURSELF, SELF~" Jevil circles Spamton like a shark as he hums an off-beat tune. "YOU'RE NOT IN THE PARTY EITHER, DEALMAKER."

"THEY [Left or Right?] ME OUT [here on my own]!!!1!! WHY AREN'T [u] WITH [Them's the breaks]????" The puppet smacks a hand to his forehead at the realization that the Lightners have now gone off without two of their most valuable items. He can only pray that their absence won't affect the little slimes too much. 

Jevil tilts his head to the side, jester cap sliding off slightly, as if truly confused by the very reasonable question. "WHY, I JUST WANTED A LITTLE CHAOS, CHAOS!" 

"NOT THIS AGAIN......" Spamton grumbles to himself. He's already got his hands full with one manic Darkner (not including himself). He really can't be entertaining this clown on top of everything else. "GET A [Life Outdoor]!!! GO [anti harassment policy] SOME0NE ELSE!!!!"

"NOOO....." Jevil whines, tail smacking Spamton in the face as he floats above him. "YOU'RE TOO FUN, FUN! WON'T YOU PLAY A GAME?"

Unbelievable. 

Spamton has half a mind to give in before remembering the items he still has to deliver to Tenna. Don't get distracted. "I DON'T HAVE [Time is of the essence] FOR YOU!!!1!"

"OH?" The jester pouts for a moment before those sharp teeth pull into an impossibly wide grin. "TOO BUSY WITH THE LORD OF SCREENS, SCREENS?"

Is there any sense of privacy in this damn town???

"[Pissing all by yourself, handsome?] OFF!!! SO [What a beautiful day!] IF I AM???" Part of Spamton wants to deny any involvement with Tenna but he knows that it would be futile. Everyone, including the damn cathode himself, has apparently already made up their mind about their relationship status. "WHY DO YOU [Care for a drink?]??!?!"

Jevil finally floats back down to the ground, now more at eye level with Spamton. The mailman startles a little when Jevil suddenly gets uncomfortably close to his face. The jester's eyes open slightly, yellow and predatory. "I JUST THINK IT'S FUNNY. EVEN NOW, YOU'RE STILL A PUPPET! WHEN WILL YOU BE FREE, FREE?"

If Spamton didn't have such a short temper, he might've taken the time to decipher what Jevil means. His message certainly sounds cryptic. But that's a version of Spamton that doesn't exist, so naturally, he blows a fuse instead. Spamton can feel himself becoming completely red in the face as he grabs the jester by his stupid collar, much to the latter's visible amusement. 

"MIND YOUR 0WN [Business as usual], [Circus Act]!!!1!!" Not quite satisfied, Spamton adds through gritted teeth: "[y] DON'T YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN [Back With The Ex]??? AT LEAST [boob tube] ACTUALLY [like and subscribe] ME!!!"

That finally gets to Jevil. It's a micro expression, a barely there twitch of the eye, but Spamton sees it. The jester isn't easy to read like Spamton is, but their shared time in the depths of Kris' pocket has given the puppet quite some material to work with in terms of getting back at Jevil. If Tenna is a sore spot for Spamton, Seam is an absolute weak spot for Jevil. 

"EAHAHEHEAHA!!!" Spamton laughs, triumphant as he pushes Jevil backwards. He walks past the other man and waves over his shoulder. "[c] YA LATER, [Mi Amigo]!!!!"

Spamton makes his way back to Tenna's room with a pep in his step. That'll show the clown not to mess with him!!! If Jevil thinks Spamton is just going to let himself be a victim of his light teasing tormenting, then he's got another thing coming. 

The second the e-mail walks through the door, he's practically ambushed by an overeager TV. Tenna jumps out from behind the kitchen counter like a dog that just heard its owner come home. "Spammy!!! You're back!!"

The CRT quickly becomes aware of how he looks right now, screen flushing pink as he moves to adjust his tie, only to realize he's still in his pyjamas. "U-uhm! What I meant to say was.....GOOD MORNING!"

"GOOD [mourning], [cathode]!!!" Spamton reaches into his blazer to pull out the sheep plushie. He holds it out to Tenna, a bit shy about gifting him anything. Spamton's not too good at this whole giving thing. "AS THANKS [4] UR [genorisity]....." 

Tenna gasps somewhat dramatically, gawking at the fluffy plush. "OH!" 

The TV slowly takes it in his stupidly big hands. Tenna smiles down at the cuddly toy, obviously touched by the gesture. Spamton mirrors the cathode's smile, tries to ignore the warm fuzzy feeling buzzing throughout his whole body. Tenna pads over to where the pipis is resting and places the plushie against her. Spamton sees a flower erupt from the CRT's nose and within second he's swept off his feet. 

"Oh, Spamton!!" Tenna twirls him around, hugging Spamton close to his chest. "THANK you! You're SO sweet!! My little mailman.....!"

The puppet grins at the TV's enthusiasm. He's pleased to know that after all this time, Spamton can still read Tenna like a book when it comes to the things he likes. And the things he doesn't like, apparently, as before Spamton can even blink, that bright screen has gone completely blank. The sudden switch-up throws the mailman for a loop. He squirms as Tenna's antennas rub themselves all over him, reminiscent of how the CRT was acting during their initial reunion. 

Uh oh.

"Who's that?" Tenna eventually asks, tone flat. His antennas haven't stopped moving for even a second. 

"[What fantastic deals!!] DO YOU [meaningless]????" Spamton tries to put some distance between the two of them but Tenna holds on tight. "ST0P [Smell the flowers] ME!!1!!!" 

"You smell strange....." The taller Darkner mutters, face slowly coming back as he tilts his TV head in confusion. "Like....licorice?"

Crap. That damn clown left a scent behind. Spamton hesitates to tell the truth. Nothing strange happened between him and Jevil. Really, the jester wasn't even on his mind anymore once he got back inside. On the other hand, Spamton isn't oblivious to Tenna's more.....possessive tendencies. It's kind of ridiculous, considering they're not even together, but Spamton still finds himself sweating at the thought of Tenna meeting Jevil. 

Thinking quick, he digs around his pocket for the candies he's brought for Tenna. "IT [Must've been the wind] BE THIS [Drop Pop Candy]!!!"

The Dark candies definitely don't smell like licorice, but they somehow miraculously distract Tenna. Just like that, all the tension melts away, and Spamton is yet again twirled around, candy flying everywhere. "OH, YOU CHARMER!!! You SPOIL me!!" 

Tenna immediately eats two of the candies, shooting up in size upon tasting their sweet flavor. Spamton watches the TV with a fuzzy feeling in his chest compartment. He really does enjoy seeing Tenna happy. It's almost reminiscent of how the CRT used to act after a particularly well done show. It never took too long before he'd drag Spamton over to the bar and treated the two of them to overly sweet drinks. 

Today, Tenna drags him over to the bed instead. 

"[ZOO-WEE, MAMA!!!]!!!" Spamton squeaks out when he's unceremoniously tossed onto the mattress. Tenna follows suit, caging the puppet in between his arms, a playful smirk on his lips. 

"Allow me to thank you for the LOVELY gifts, Spamton~" Tenna practically purrs above him. 

Spamton pretends to think about it for a moment, but he doesn't even bother trying to keep his legs from falling open. "WELL IF YOU [I insist!], DEAR [cathode]!!"

"I'll be back in a few hours, okay?" Tenna calls out over his shoulder, halfway out the door. Spamton makes an incomprehensible noise from where he's splayed out on the bed. "Alrighty, see you later!!"

It's a bummer that Spamton won't accompany him to the TV building this time, but Tenna supposes that he's worn him out a little too much. It was just hard for the CRT to contain his excitement. Especially after such a sweet gesture from his mailman. The plushie and the candy simply warmed his very core. Needless to say, Tenna is on cloud nine as he makes his way to his destination. Spamton actually gifted him something! Things that Tenna likes, at that!! 

He has to admit that he'd been feeling a little.....unsure. Even though Tenna is more than willing to fight for the e-mail's love, it is true that this thing between them has felt slightly one-sided up until now. But now, with Spamton's obvious declaration of love, Tenna is feeling more confident than ever. 

"GOOD afternoon, everybody!!!" Tenna barely resists the urge to throw his still sore arms up in joy at the sight of his two friends. "How are my FAVORITE lovebirds doing??"

"We're great!" Elnina chirps in between sharing curious glances with her moon-shaped lover. "You're looking exceptionally happy today, boss!"

"Oh, you know......" Tenna's antennas curl towards each other as he fiddles with his tie. "I'm just really feeling the LOVE in the air today!~"

"The.....love?" Lanino parrots, struggling to keep up a believable smile. "You don't mean with.....with Spamton, do you?"

Tenna shrinks a little at the tone to the weatherman's voice. "Haha!! What....what do you mean?"

"Well, it's just....." Elnina seems to struggle with finding the right words. "Uhm, we just noticed that you and Spamton seem to be getting a lot closer lately."

"ASTUTE observation!!" The TV rocks back and forth on his feet, feeling progressively more insecure the longer the couple stares at him. "So, uh, what about it?"

Lanino sheepishly rubs at the back of his neck. "We just.....don't want you getting hurt again, Tenna. We can see that you're happy right now but we're just worried that-"

"-that it won't last." Elnina finishes when Lanino stammers. Tenna shrinks some more, now only half the size he used to be. "D-don't get us wrong!! We're happy for you guys, really! But we can't help being worried, you know? Things just.....didn't end so well last time."

"I-I get what you guys are saying!! Really, I APPRECIATE that you guys are looking out for me!" Tenna clasps his hands together as he attempts to grow back to a more reasonable height. "But there's nothing to worry about! I know me and Spamton didn't.....end on the best terms. But so much has changed since then! I-I really think we could come back stronger than ever this time around!"

The two lovers don't seem too convinced, and Tenna has to bite his tongue to refrain from making a snarky comment about how their relationship hasn't been without its ups and downs either. He can't exactly blame them for being worried. When things ended with Spamton that time, they were the ones to pick up the pieces. It's only natural that they're hesitant about this whole thing. 

Eventually the weather duo put an end to their silent communicating and Lanino reaches out to give Tenna's hand a gentle squeeze. 

"Alright. As long as you're happy, we're happy." The heartfelt comment is enough for Tenna to shoot back to his original height. Finally the earlier tension fizzles out like a campfire. 

"Thanks, you two....." Tenna can't help but scoop them up into his arms, truly touched by their concern for him. "I appreciate it, really."

The rest of the day goes on without a hitch. Tenna spends a good couple of hours just playing games with his favorite couple and some leftover Shadowguys. The crew has decreased significantly in size but Tenna is slowly starting to accept that fact. He's still got a decent support system. At least he's not alone anymore. 

When Tenna finally exits the TV building, it's already evening. He can tell based on the decreased amount of Darkners walking around town. Most of them are probably huddled inside their homes, preparing dinner. Tenna's mind drifts off to whatever healing items he still has stocked up in the kitchen. Maybe he can make Dark Burgers for him and Spamton tonight. Under the assumption that the gluttonous puppet hasn't already consumed them.....

On his way to the castle, Tenna's gaze is drawn to two of the few Darkners that are still out right now. The old shopkeeper and.....some kind of jester? Tenna has never seen that guy before. And where usually he'd just move right on without a second glance, this time the CRT finds himself stopping dead in his tracks. Something about this jester compels Tenna to walk right over to where the colorful man seems to be hassling the shopkeeper. 

"Get....." The frazzled cat huffs, swinging their cane in the jester's general direction without making any real effort to hit him. 

"DEAR SEAM, YOU'RE NO FUN, FUN!" The mysterious Darkner sing-songs as he continues to stick close to the cat. "WHY ARE YOU ON THE RUN?"

"I wouldn't exactly call this running, my friend." Seam points out, moving at an admittedly slow speed. The shopkeeper eventually notices Tenna lurking around and raises a paw in greeting. "Why, if it isn't Ant Tenna.... Good evening to you."

Tenna startles upon being directly acknowledged before quickly composing himself and putting on an award-winning smile. "Good evening to you as well, dear shopkeeper! Good to see you and your friend.....?"

The cathode trails off, both to give the jester a chance to introduce himself and because the clown's staring has unsettled him. The guy looks absolutely ecstatic to see Tenna. A tad strange considering they've never met before. Maybe he's a fan....?

"I AM JEVIL!" Jevil pipes up, full of energy as he floats a circle around the TV. "FINALLY I GET TO MEET THE LORD OF SCREENS, SCREENS!"

It should be a cute nickname that strokes Tenna's ego, but something about it makes the CRT feel deeply uncomfortable. Everything about this jester does. Tenna can't quite place what it is. He's seen his fair share of strange Darkners in this town, and Jevil being such a short stack inevitably reminds him of his mailman, but he finds himself wary of the little guy. 

"Uhm....WOW!! What a nickname! So UNIQUE! Are you perhaps a fan of mine??" Much to Tenna's dismay, Jevil chuckles at the question like he's just said something hilarious. 

"AREN'T YOU VAIN, VAIN?~" Tenna's antennas droop a tad in embarrassment. "TV MAN, YOU'RE FUNNY!"

The television host startles when the jester suddenly leaps at him, just short of smacking right into his screen. Jevil's sharp grin is creepily wide as he seems to peer right through Tenna's soul. 

"WE SHOULD PLAY SOMETIME." Tenna stills, only half paying attention to the clown's words. What is that smell? "WHAT DO YOU SAY, SAY? JUST YOU AND ME AND THE PU-"

Jevil shrieks when he's suddenly yanked backwards by Seam's paw grabbing his tail. "Now, now.....don't you have any manners, Jevil? Let the gentleman enjoy his evening."

Tenna can barely hear the two of them over the static quickly filling up his screen. That scent.....licorice. The scent that clung to Spamton earlier today. Why did that jester get close enough to leave behind a smell? Why did Spamton lie? 

"Good day, now." Seam starts walking away, dragging Jevil after him like a balloon on a string. 

The jester in question doesn't seem to mind too much, letting himself be whisked away. Jevil still looks back at Tenna, though, seemingly unable to help himself from flashing another award losing smile his way. "BYE-BYE!~"

Tenna turns around in order to head back to the castle. His screen is grainy with static, his mind eerily blank as he returns to his room. Inside, Spamton is fast asleep on the bed, clueless to the CRT's arrival. Tenna observes the sleeping puppet for a long moment before quietly retreating into the kitchen. He pulls out a frying pan and some Dark burgers, tries to ignore the way his hand shakes around the pan's handle. 

That jester.....just who is he? Surely him and Spamton have to know each other. They must've had an encounter this morning, because the e-mail didn't smell like that yesterday. Why wouldn't Spamton mention that? Why would he lie to Tenna about the scent coming from the candy? It seems such a strange thing to lie about. 

Unless Spamton has something to hide. 

Tenna doesn't realize that he's crushed the Dark burger in his hand until its remains slip through the cracks in between his fingers and onto the counter. He glances back at where Spamton is still on the bed, screen blank. 

Just what does Jevil mean to Spamton?