thebigshotman

[thebigshotman]

(As if the current timeline angst wasn’t enough, have this drabble about Spam’s hatred of mirrors lol. With blessings from @hxzelwallflower to use Eileen’s house as the location)

This was embarrassing, having to grab a step stool in order to see himself in Eileen’s mirror. Back when he had a full five feet of height, all he would’ve had to do was just walk in, comb his hair, and walk out. Did Mike have to ridicule him by taking his height away, too?!

He planned on trying to shower while she was away at work for the day, something he hadn’t done in decades. He wanted to surprise her, and maybe himself, too.

Step stool placed, he put his hands on his hips with a bright smile and AIM noise. One foot followed the other as he walked up both steps, marching upwards and turning his face to see—

Oh.

Spamton had never properly looked at himself since a few days before he was evicted from Queen’s mansion. In those days, the only unusual parts of him were cheek blush and hardening skin…signs of his transformation, in hindsight. In the years since, he’d only had cracked mirrors and glass shards to look into.

He never saw just how ugly he looked until now. How uncanny and broken. How much of an unflattering impression of his big shot days he had been turned into.

The marbles in his glasses blinked, once, and then twice, as his smile faded into more of a frown. Ball joined hands tugged at his cheeks and jaw as he truly saw for the first time how wide and unnatural it looked. From there, he held those same hands up towards the mirror, viewing up close all of the little crevices and dents in them. He didn’t dare pull down his jacket to see an adams apple that wasn’t there.

He leaned in closer, balancing himself by putting his hands on the counter. Glitching as he did so—heavens, it only made him more embarrassed to see the pixels flickering off of his skin, as if the fact that he was a mess needed to be hammered in more forcefully. A piece of his cheek blush that had separated clean from his face from his pulling rejoined it. And then, with the attitude of someone working up the courage to pull off a bandaid, he whipped off his Dealmakers.

He flinched, glitching more harshly. He knew his eyes weren’t as expressive as his fellow Addisons anymore, but they really did look like decorative dots that just happened to blink. His glasses dropped into the sink in what could only be described as shock—he knew he looked terrible, but he didn’t think he was this terrible. He didn’t need to tug at his fake hair or mutter any sentences that were only half his own to be sure of that.

His other hand raised upwards as a fist to pound the counter. Again, and again, and again. Forming new dents in both his hand and the sink.

*HAE…HAE…HAEHAHEHAEHAEHAEHAEHAE

And he laughed and laughed, his voice growing louder and louder until it peaked. He was a mess. A broken mess. He knew for a fact that Eileen had to love him on the inside, because what could she see on the outside that was anything more than a failure?

The laugh started to repeat in certain places, until it became much more like a stutter. He froze mid-slam, the laugh hard-cutting into the sound of a dialtone as autonomy ceased and he fell onto the floor. A sprawled out, forcefully grinning mess.

Spamton awoke an uncertain amount of time later to the hardened bathroom floor, blinking slowly as he remembered where he was. Woozy, with half of his body dangling behind him, he ascended the steps again to fetch his Dealmakers. Marbles formed in them once again as he adjusted them, sparring one last glance at himself in the mirror.

Broken.

He shook his head with a frown, leaping off the steps back onto the ground. Forget cleaning his entire body, he was just going to do laundry.

His clothes were just doll fabric, after all. Another messed up part of himself. He was fairly certain they wouldn’t shrink.

In the future, he would steer clear of mirrors. He didn’t need to look himself in the face to know how bad he was.

[thebigshotman]

i feel like it's difficult to say any character in utdr is treated "too jokingly" to be seen as serious when one of the most harrowing and tragic characters across both games is also someone who has canonically screamed about how you can milk him

[thebigshotman]

*C0RRECT, [[valued customer]]!!!! I’LL [[help, please!!]] U 4S LONG AS YOU STAY AT MY STOR3!!! [QualityNotGuarenteed]

He seemed to return to his usual smiley self when she accepted his offer without a second thought, adjusting his jacket and glasses as he elaborated on the “terms and conditions”, so to speak. Secretly wondering where he would get good quality food and a mattress from…there had to be something in the dump, right?

He blinked away her SOUL yet again. She was a person. A person. Who could end up just like him if he wasn’t careful. The part of him that was still sane wasn’t going to have any of that.

He gestured towards the direction of his store, deep within the Trash Zone, as his glasses blinked between their colors in his excitement.

*1T’S JUST THIS WAY!!!!

Every few steps he would turn and wave at her before twisting back again. He was just that excited to both help her and have a Lightner in his shop.

@timidblues liked for a starter!!

*LIGHT nER!!! [[Sophia]], R1GHT!!! G00D TO SEE U AGAIN,, [[you’re a sight for sore eyes]]!!!

Spamton hasn’t planned on seeing the Cyan SOUL holder known as Sophia again after they had hit it off a while ago, especially considering how he had ran off like a coward at the very idea of facing one of his Addisons again. But here she was! And near the Trash Zone where his shop was, no less! She had to see his store!

*…[[Sorry about your recent experience.]],, A-AB0UT MY [leave.]ING, I MEAN. N0 HARD F3LLINGS I HOPE, HUH, KID???

He stuck out a hand for a hand shake, hoping for a clean slate. His usual smile was bright and seemed genuine, for once.

*[[Great timing!]], TOO!!! MY [support local businesses] 1S NEARBY!!!! WANNA [stop on in]??? I’LL GIVE U [[free sample]],, I PROMISE!!!!

[thebigshotman]

A comedically over exaggerated sigh of relief left his voice box, but he also seemed genuinely relieved there were no hard feelings as he gave her a very firm handshake. His smile seemed to grow even brighter when she said she wanted to see his store.

*[[Congratulations!! YOU are the]] F1RST LIGHT nER TO S33 THIS PLACE!!! JU$T [follow me] AND WE’LL…we’ll…

He seemed to deflate a little when he noticed just how…disheveled, for lack of a better word, she looked. Not her clothing, no, but she seemed even more bruised than when they first met. And maybe it was his not-all-there mind playing tricks on him, but she looked hungry, too. Very hungry. This was what he got for running away instead of holding up his end of their deal…

*GU3SS WHAT-WH4T WHAT!!!! Y0UR ALSO [[100th customer]], SOPHIA!!! YOU’LL GET [[free sample]],, [[F1]],, AND [[FREE overnight stay]] [at no additional cost!]!!!! H0WS THAT SOUND, BIG SHOT????

It was the least he could do. It wasn’t like he could give her anymore, anyway…he didn’t have the riches and power he did when he was famous anymore.

@timidblues liked for a starter!!

*LIGHT nER!!! [[Sophia]], R1GHT!!! G00D TO SEE U AGAIN,, [[you’re a sight for sore eyes]]!!!

Spamton hasn’t planned on seeing the Cyan SOUL holder known as Sophia again after they had hit it off a while ago, especially considering how he had ran off like a coward at the very idea of facing one of his Addisons again. But here she was! And near the Trash Zone where his shop was, no less! She had to see his store!

*…[[Sorry about your recent experience.]],, A-AB0UT MY [leave.]ING, I MEAN. N0 HARD F3LLINGS I HOPE, HUH, KID???

He stuck out a hand for a hand shake, hoping for a clean slate. His usual smile was bright and seemed genuine, for once.

*[[Great timing!]], TOO!!! MY [support local businesses] 1S NEARBY!!!! WANNA [stop on in]??? I’LL GIVE U [[free sample]],, I PROMISE!!!!

[thebigshotman]

@timidblues liked for a starter!!

*LIGHT nER!!! [[Sophia]], R1GHT!!! G00D TO SEE U AGAIN,, [[you’re a sight for sore eyes]]!!!

Spamton hasn’t planned on seeing the Cyan SOUL holder known as Sophia again after they had hit it off a while ago, especially considering how he had ran off like a coward at the very idea of facing one of his Addisons again. But here she was! And near the Trash Zone where his shop was, no less! She had to see his store!

*…[[Sorry about your recent experience.]],, A-AB0UT MY [leave.]ING, I MEAN. N0 HARD F3LLINGS I HOPE, HUH, KID???

He stuck out a hand for a hand shake, hoping for a clean slate. His usual smile was bright and seemed genuine, for once.

*[[Great timing!]], TOO!!! MY [support local businesses] 1S NEARBY!!!! WANNA [stop on in]??? I’LL GIVE U [[free sample]],, I PROMISE!!!!

[thebigshotman]

@hxzelwallflower liked for a starter!!

*C’M0N C’MON [Hazelnut]]!!!! QUICK, BEFOR3 THE [[oakwood shelving]] [noclip]S OUTTA HERE 4ND TAKES [[yes, you!]] WITH IT!!!

Spaul hurriedly tapped on his desk with one hand and ushered Eileen over with the other, incredibly anxious about the still-recovering shelving in his shop. After finding out she was off today, he had told her to stop by for help with a “special project”, and despite his anxiety it was clear from the bright smile on his face he was excited, too.

When she finally made it over, it would become clear what exactly this “special project” was. Various half-used paint cans and paint brushes were spread out around his desk, right next to a completely blank-but stable-back wall. He walked over to meet her as the sound of an audience cheering came out of his voice box.

*[[That’s right!]]!!! TH3 [specil project] IS [[commissioned mural]]!!! HELP ME REPAINT IT, [Hazelnut]!!!!

It was easily the most personal, and most distinctive, aspect of his shop: The bright, sunny sky with clouds mural behind his desk. He didn’t take the decision to ask her for her help repainting it lightly, but to him, it would also feel wrong if she didn’t help.

[thebigshotman]

It’s been almost three f[ifty percent off] years since this guy took up residence in my brain, he hasn’t left once please send help—

But I also feel like starting something new with him, so like this post for a starter!! He’s ready to wreck havoc, whoever may be willing to interact with him 😃 Consider this also a plotting call, if you’d like to interact but want to figure things out a little first!

[thebigshotman]

“*I…I [[swear]],, I D0-DO-DON’T KNOW U!!!!” he tried to deflect, voice riddled with panic that told a very different story. “*PL3ASE…JUST [[buy out the store]] 4ND LEAVE [Hazelnut]—”

Ah. There it was. Right as she was clasping his hands, too, only to pull back from the shocks his glitching inevitably gave her. Another reason why they shouldn’t be together.

He finally fixed her in the eye with widened marbles at the slip of his non-existent tongue, salesman pose finally collapsing into a very limp, defeated one with the clanking of his limbs. Several “access denied” noises left his jaw for several seconds, unable to find the words and unable to find the courage to face her.

*[[Scared and aimless? Worried you’re burdening those who care about you? The solution is simple:]] [[You can just leave!]]

His cheeks fuzzed into a very light shade of pink, almost embarrassed to admit it to her face. But this was the path he had chose. This was going to be the best course of action for both of them.

*EILEEN…I…I’m sick and tired of causing you pain. 4LL THE [[misery]] AND [[hurt!]] THAT HAPP3NS TO YOU,, IT’$ ALL BECAUSE OF ME. I’m broken, Eileen. 4ND YOUR AN [[angel~]] WHO [deserves only the best!].

*I’M HAPPY W1TH YOU, [Hazelnut]. M0RE THAN I’VE EV3R BEEN IN MY [[falling and falling fast]] LIFE. But…you don’t need me ruining your life and taking away your happiness.

He glitches, hard, coming back to himself in a form that’s reaching out to her with a desperate smile.

*[[Please! Stop! I can’t take it anymore!]]…L3T ME GO.

@thebigshotman cont. x - - - - - - - - - - - -

❝ Spaul I'm serious . ❞ ❝ I know it's overwhelming for both of us but , this needs to stop . ❞

Communication is the center focus , the reason she came looking for him . No amount of protest would stop her from trying to explain matters and fix whatever's happened , taking full responsibility even if it wasn't entirely her fault . Still his lack of focus raises a few eyebrows , pixels breaking from the Darkener's form and even further with fingers move to touch his quivering hands . A sharp pain following as they retract .

Ever since he was ejected from the suit his behavior changed dramatically . Angry , possessive , clingy in more ways than one . And yet anytime something shifted in routine he panicked , choosing to flee rather than properly digest what was happening .

* This is no different . If that wasn't enough his gaze mounted further disquiet , refusing to look at her despite the brunette being mere inches from him . If not for the counter she would've been even closer . Guilt swirled among those lidded hues , brows wrinkled as that same pang of anxiety began to creep up on her drawn in a slow , shaky breath .

❝ Please... ❞

[thebigshotman]

rip bozo

(non-transparent version below cause i couldn't decide what looked better)

[thebigshotman]

*TRAFFIC??? …Traffic?

At the slightest allusion to the stunt he pulled, he seemed to lock up in that salesman pose he was currently in. His face lulling to the side as he blue screened with black lenses for the briefest moment, dial up playing before he snapped right back to normal. A reset. That’s what this is, a reset. So stop being so nervous.

*MU$T’VE BEEN A [[stunt double]] 0R SOMETHING, K1D!!! [[Never seen ya before!]]

Another voice said it for him, because he knew he couldn’t manage saying it himself.

*LOOKIN’ F0R [[designer lenses]] OR [[stylish bowties]]??? A [refreshing beverage], M4YBE??? FOOD??? 4N YTHING AT ALL, I GOT IT!!!!

He was positively vibrating with anxiety right now, the marbles in his glasses darting from Eileen to anywhere else so quickly and constantly they looked like they were shaking, too.

Buy something. Buy something and leave. I can’t face you. Not anymore…

@thebigshotman cont. x - - - - - - - - - - - -

Silence , the shiny cungadero displayed center of his shop lay a few feet from his lot in the same condition . Smashed windshield , coupled with bits of glass piled on top the fender . She really needs to pay him for the damage on it . Her voice fell on deaf ears aside from the few Maus that scurried beneath her feet , burying themselves among code and half eaten bagels with one venturing towards the revolving door .

Only then did she trek towards the establishment , mindful of the debris . A jinglie announcing her presence .

❝ Spamton ? ❞

* The place seemed to be empty . . .

He couldn't have gone back to the apartment . Only other place he might be is with them . Navy , Saffron , what are the chances Spaul would go running to them during a mid-life crisis ?

Approaching the front desk , she takes a moment before attempting to look over it . Thinking maybe he'd be in the back somewhere messing with inventory .

[thebigshotman]

Hi 😃 I’m not back just yet, but I’m hoping I’ll be soon. However, I return with backstory lore inspired by a Broadway show whose soundtrack I’m quickly becoming a fan of. The “Merrily We Roll Along” revival!

The show, since it goes in reverse chronological order, starts with a lonely businessman who has everything except friendship and ends with him at the beginning, meeting said friends as they chat about their dreams and aspirations. Sound familiar? The song “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” in particular, a patter song in which said businessman gets torn down by his creative partner before said partner realizes he still wants to be friends with him, immediately stuck out to me. After a few listens, backstory that also neatly explains why Navy-my Blue Addison-runs a somewhat shady shop himself was formed.

So, this is after Spam has gotten famous, but before he moved into Queen’s mansion and before he changed his name from White Addison to what it is now. Spam invites Navy onto an interview with him to try to build up his businesses the same way his has become, you know, cross promotion. But Navy, influenced by the others jealousy of his success and longing for the little White Addison he knew back, isn’t having any of that.

It’s his turn to talk, and he just lets loose. About how he’s always on the phone and talking to Queen about endorsements. About how they rarely see him, and when they do, it’s only to talk about how big he’s become. Spam is right there next to him, fighting the urge the entire time to deck his best friend in the face. The only reason he doesn’t is because Mike warned him not to, and who is he to disobey him?

Even after Navy realizes halfway through that what he’s doing is wrong and he wants to keep his relationship with him, literally begging the audience to “tell him to go back to his family”, it’s not enough. As soon as the show cuts to commercial, Spam lets loose back, telling him there’s no going back after almost telling all about his trade secrets, and orders him thrown out. No amount of Navy begging to explain what led up to that is enough. This was the first and only time the entire group of five Addisons ever tried to call themselves a family. You can guess why they don’t do that anymore.

Not long after, White changed his name to Spamton and had that big, relationship ending argument with the entire group. The rest is history. As for Navy, his reputation after that got so bad-seeing as he tried to tear down someone who had unanimously positive public opinion-he had to move his business into the farthest reaches of town. No longer able to sell legitimate weapons, instead selling shifty “unused” ones.

Trying to be there for him when he was about to be evicted was Navy’s way of saying sorry, but obviously, that didn’t work out. Spam doesn’t even know he went to the mansion. The incident, though they are still somewhat close, hangs over them, and time will tell whether Navy is able to properly apologize to him.

Side note, but the title song also fits the narrative quite well. I can vividly picture the contrast between the destitute conditions the Addisons had during his fame era and him living it up at the Color Cafe, but still alone. “How does it happen?/How does it start to go?/does it slip away slow/so you never even notice it’s happening/why don’t you turn around and go back?”

[thebigshotman]

She was getting closer. Why was she getting closer?? The shop clearly seemed empty, music and that damned ringing phone aside. Why couldn’t she just look around, see he wasn’t here, and leave to look elsewhere? And leave him behind for good in the process. All he was doing was causing her grief and trouble, like right now. He didn’t need to be in her life.

His code stuttered and slowed the closer she got, even his mind seemingly lagging as he struggled to prepare himself. Pretend you don’t know her. She’s not Hazelnut, she’s just another customer. She’ll realize what you’re doing, and she’ll get that you’re doing the right thing.

…I don’t want to.

You have to. You did this yourself. Now reveal yourself and stick to your stupid plan, you big dummy.

He wouldn’t be surprised if he gave her a heart attack, as within seconds of her poking her head behind the desk, he leaped upwards onto it and, with a familiar jingle, introduced himself with the biggest smile he could manage.

*H-EY HE-Y THERE-E-3!!!! THA-A-AT’S R1GHT,, IT’S ME!!! EVERY ONE’S FAVORITE [[Number1 Rated Salesman1997]]!!!! SPAMTON G SPAMTON!!!

Introductions over with, he forces himself to look right at her. His smile strains a bit.

*WELL, 1F IT ISN’T A LIGHT nER!!! Y0U’VE GOT [the finest taste], LET M3 TELL YA!!!! WHATCHA LOOKING F0R????

@thebigshotman cont. x - - - - - - - - - - - -

Silence , the shiny cungadero displayed center of his shop lay a few feet from his lot in the same condition . Smashed windshield , coupled with bits of glass piled on top the fender . She really needs to pay him for the damage on it . Her voice fell on deaf ears aside from the few Maus that scurried beneath her feet , burying themselves among code and half eaten bagels with one venturing towards the revolving door .

Only then did she trek towards the establishment , mindful of the debris . A jinglie announcing her presence .

❝ Spamton ? ❞

* The place seemed to be empty . . .

He couldn't have gone back to the apartment . Only other place he might be is with them . Navy , Saffron , what are the chances Spaul would go running to them during a mid-life crisis ?

Approaching the front desk , she takes a moment before attempting to look over it . Thinking maybe he'd be in the back somewhere messing with inventory .

[thebigshotman]

The minute he chose that particular method of carrying someone, Spaul was fairly sure it wouldn’t get him that far. But he continued anyway out of his own stubbornness, as well as a small amount of anger towards his lost mini-Spam for not coming back. As it finally let go of her hair, however, he realized something: Maybe it really was happier with her. That would make two of them.

*TH1S…MAY NOT HAVE BEEN A [[wonderful idea]]…

He puts her down briefly, gently of course, to try to figure out how best to carry her without causing her discomfort. There’s no way he’s attempting a bridal carry unless she suggests it first…she’s too Heavenly for that.

*G0TTA BE A B3TTER WAY TO [[carry merchandise]]-I-I MEAN U…

His gaze ends up shifting to the mini-Spam, and a voice sighs resignedly for him.

*SO U WERE THE [anonymous benefactor] WH0 WANTED A [[mini me]], [Hazelnut]??? I’M HAPPY FOR B0TH OF YOU [[congrations!! you win a prize!!]] BUT…why?

@thebigshotman cont. x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

❝ Maybe . Everything just─ Nngh ! Hurts . . . ❞

That's an understatement , as if she didn't just fall two stories trying to escape and probably busted several ribs in the landing process . Recent develops did lead her to the mage , more or less their track record leading to the Color Café as interactions with Spaul resulted in them finding her . A reunion she would explain at a latter time .

Legs draw inwards , struggling to find balance using his body for support only to collapse after a few moments , grunting in frustration . Only then did something tumble out of her hair , the small , a wobbly Spamling that had buried itself among the ocean of locks in an effort to remain close . The same one who'd returned on his file date , delivering her care package . Tiny hands gripped some of her split ends , squeaking profusely as it attempted to climb it's way back up .

The motion of a hand towards the squirming program as it latches on , guided back to her shoulder in which that somber gaze drifts back to Spaul . Biting her lip .

❝ You think you could , carry me ? ❞

[thebigshotman]

that awkward moment when you see your self destructive behaviour and can't stop it because you're spiraling in feeling hopeless and helpless.

or - i wanted to yell at my brain today, here's the result.

[thebigshotman]

🍀,✨,🌼, and 🌹!

Anon asked: Spread some positivity!! - - - - - - - - - - - - 🍀 An oc rp blog I recommend ✨A multimuse blog I recommend 🌼 A blog with beautiful writing 🌹 A blog that makes me happy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

🍀 - @gunslinginnhogtyin !! Hands down one of my favorite Ocs to write with to date. Not only does Dee provide plenty of art to go along with his story and shenanigans', but is a joy to write with overall. I would kiss Butch right on the mouth with how much joy he brings to the community, and even more how his story continues to unfold to this day.

✨ - @fairestmusesofthemall I love Fiery's content so much it's insane,, they always have the most comforting muses to write with, even with their Doc blog it's sweet to watch them write with various people.

🌼 - @peculiarbeauty If ya'll aren't following Rose, what are you doing with your life?? She always provide the best content regardless of his activity, even more with muses. Her muses are always done to a "T" with beautiful graphics to match, I love her Belle so much!!

🌹 - @thebigshotman Any notification from Ruby's muses brings a smile to my face, but their Spamton is one of my personal favorites. Not only with the amount of development Eileen & Spaul have been through, but their relationship as a whole is such a comfort to me that I often go back and read older threads between them so I can continue to come up with new things for them to do. Any and all Spamtons are welcome by Eileen, but Spaul is her number one by all accounts,, they're grossly in love it's ridiclous daskjnsa-

[thebigshotman]

His head clicked and clanked from her legs to her face, meeting her eyes each time, as he tried to figure out what to do in order to get her to safety. He wasn’t sure if he could carry her on his own…he would probably need some of his Mini-Spams to help-

…What the hell just came tumbling out of Eileen’s hair?

His attention now, ashamedly, turned to the Mini-Spam that had appeared next to Eileen. Wait…was this the one that he had given away? That had briefly returned to give him a birthday gift, only to disappear again, despite the order being to return as soon as possible?

*…D1D U [[stealing is a crime]] A [mini me] AFTER I [[Moving Out]], [Hazelnut]??

After posing that way too aggressively worded question, he sighed and turned his attention back to her, though not before glaring at the mini-Spam. His anger was towards it, not her. Right now, what was most important was her safety.

*[[Hold that thought, please.]]…I’LL C4RRY YA, [Hazelnut]!!! [Mini me], G3T YOUR [[@$$]] OVER HERE AND HELP!!!

His tone was one of an angry parent, but nevertheless he moved to try to fireman’s carry Eileen into his shop. Despite the fact that she was a foot taller than him.

@thebigshotman cont. x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

❝ Maybe . Everything just─ Nngh ! Hurts . . . ❞

That's an understatement , as if she didn't just fall two stories trying to escape and probably busted several ribs in the landing process . Recent develops did lead her to the mage , more or less their track record leading to the Color Café as interactions with Spaul resulted in them finding her . A reunion she would explain at a latter time .

Legs draw inwards , struggling to find balance using his body for support only to collapse after a few moments , grunting in frustration . Only then did something tumble out of her hair , the small , a wobbly Spamling that had buried itself among the ocean of locks in an effort to remain close . The same one who'd returned on his file date , delivering her care package . Tiny hands gripped some of her split ends , squeaking profusely as it attempted to climb it's way back up .

The motion of a hand towards the squirming program as it latches on , guided back to her shoulder in which that somber gaze drifts back to Spaul . Biting her lip .

❝ You think you could , carry me ? ❞

[thebigshotman]

Sounds of the city echoed all around , murmurs from various locals as the Lightner sprinted past taking advantage of the walkways being clear for once . Traffic , however was a different story . Nonetheless she pushed forward , adrenaline kicking into overdrive signaled by her labored breathing .

* You cried out for Spual . * But nobody came...

The words played in her head . "Don't look for me." "I'll just break you too." . Mental anguish , coupled with guilt ruled by past mistakes . No matter how much he'd lost , how many people abandoned him or vise versa ; fate would always bring him here . Their first encounter . The day everything changed . . .

❝ Spamton ! ❞

Her voice . That same voice which comforted him , cherished him , laced in equal guilt . Boots shuffling unevenly as she scanned the surrounding area for any clues leading to where he'd gone . He had to be here . Where else could he go ?

❝ Please , I just wanna' talk ! ❞

It took him forever to leave the dumpster that morning. To get up and pretend that nothing was wrong, nothing had happened last night. To be comfortable with the idea that he might run into her.

Just stick with the plan. Pretend you’ve never met her. She’ll understand…and she’ll know that this is for the best.

Still shaking off whatever shocked his systems last night, he glitched his way through the streets and made it to his shop for the day. Sighing as he opened the door and the usual cheery, dissonant music began to play. Huh, the bow ties were running low…time to restock on those.

The same bow tie that she always wore around her wrist. The same one that she straightened for the first time in decades. The same one that-

He slapped himself in the face, running his plastic hands down the unnatural shapes of his cheeks and mouth. No, he was not doing this. He was going to go about his day without being reminded of her by every little thing.

Even though this was where they had first met all that time ago.

Somehow, the first hour of the day went smoothly; too smoothly, in fact. Sure enough, at a certain point he started to hear a familiar voice calling out to him. Code briefly freezing in an equivalent of a heart attack, he zoomed over to the desk-in half frames-to hide behind it. Completely forgetting that the shop door was unlocked.

She’ll think you’re not here…and if she does wander in, stick to the plan.