Chapter Text
A light knock was heard on the door, hesitant and barely even there. It was still early in the day, at least Test Tube thought so.
She sits up slowly and looks at the clock hanging up on her wall, ticking quietly. It was the only sound that accompanied her room. Anything else was too distracting.
The clock shows 12:34pm
Seems like she missed her morning classes today... and bringing Lightbulb to the radiostation.
What could've possibly made her sleep in so much?
Depression is a possibility, it's accompanied her all her life in small bits and pieces. But it's never gotten bad enough to where she skips her daily routine.
Another light knock is heard.
"Test Tube, can I come in?" Lightbulb's voice can be heard on the other side. She sounds so distant, her tone much lower and calm than if ever has been.
"Hold on!"
Test Tube stands up and makes her bed sluggishly, the sheets slipping out of between her fingers. Eventually, she gives up on making it perfect and leaves it.
"..Come in"
Lightbulb walks in, a bag in her hand and a small smile gracing her face. It's not the usual big one she has accompanied with her at all times.
"How are you?" She asks, holding out the bag to Test Tube.
"I'm fine..."
Test Tube grabs the bag and looks into it to see two snacks and a drink. Spefically her favorite kinds. She looks back up at Lightbulb with a smile, appreciating her friends thoughtfulness.
"..Thank you. I guess I owe you some snacks now, huh?" Test Tube says, placing the bag down onto her bed.
Lighbulb just shrugs "it's on the house. You know, because of last night."
Test Tube freezes and looks at the wall next to her rather than Lightbulb.
"Oh." She mutters. "You're a good person."
She laughs nervously, unable to get the words she wants out. It's simple, I'm sorry. Or maybe even it wasn't your fault.
But no, Test Tube can't admit that it's her fault. That Lightbulb didn't do anything wrong.
"See–? I've got some redeeming traits!" Lightbulb says, suddenly seeming much happier.
"Huh?"
"You always get a little less grumpy when you get something you like. And I know that! Isn't that pretty redeeming?"
"I guess? I'd think–" Test Tube cuts herself off short and sighs. She'd rather not break the other girls spirit. "..It is."
Really, anyone would feel at least a little better if given something they have a preference for.
But she'll let Lightbulb think it's just a her thing.
"Anyways. How'd the radio show go?" Test Tube asks before Lightbulb can continue her weird ranting.
"I'm guessing that you got there..." She mutters
"I did get there, I got a ride from Paintbrush!"
Test Tube pauses and stares at Lightbulb, there's no way!
"Hold on– you just met this guy! And you got a ride from-"
"Paintbrush is a person!"
"Obviously, I have eyes! That doesn't mean you can just get in a car with someone you barley know"
"No, no, no. A person not a guy!" Lightbulb says, she sounds proud of herself.
"....oh" Test Tube stops, finally catching on.
"Okay, still. Why did they just... pick you up? Please tell me you didn't have them pick you up at our house!"
"Where else could I have been picked up?"
"Golly, Lightbulb...." Test Tube frowns "whatever. Just.. just be more careful. We're lucky Paintbrush doesn't appear to be a creep."
"They aren't a creep, I talked to them quite a bit. They're an aspiring artist! They work for Fan to make extra money." Lightbulb gestures wildly, but come to a stop abruptly, "Sounds like they hate the guy though."
Test Tube sighs and shakes her head lightly. She isn't sure what to take in first, this is all out of nowhere.
It's overwhelming.
"It's weird, Paintbrush was talking about how controlling Fan is. But he seems so laid back? He was nothing like that in high school" Lightbulb taps her chin.
"Well we barely know Fan either, Lightbulb..." Test Tube groans. "And people change."
"I get that though.. I'm just saying what I was told!"
"Alright, alright. I get it. How'd the actual radio part go?"
Lightbulb thinks for a moment "I would say good. They were a bit awkward at the start... but I'd say it lightened up really quick" She looks proud of herself.
"So.. no complaints? Nothing bad?"
Test Tube isn't sure why, but she almost expected something wrong to happen. Pessimism has always been a problem for her.
"Nope, none at all! I'm looking forward to it!"
"...really?" Test Tube looks down, Lightbulb gets the hang of things so easily. Sure, Test Tube good at academics. But is it really that special when she can't do normal things outside of her own mind?
"Yeah! They're nice people. I think you'll like them." Lightbulb gives a thumbs up before going up to Test Tube and patting her on the shoulder.
"I can say, the red dude definitely isn't as cliche as he tries to be on the big tele." She grins and wraps an arm around Test Tube, pulling her in close for a side hug.
It feels nice, mostly. TestTube didn't realize she was cold until Lightbulb's warmth envolped her.
A heavy sigh comes from her as she leans into the touch, something she usually never does. But in this moment, comfort sounds appealing.
Lightbulb looks at Test Tube, her eyebrows raising as her friend leans into the touch. She reaches out her other arm out, hugging Test Tube fully. She's gentle with her touch, almost afraid. Afraid of scaring Test Tube off.
"did something happen?" Lightbulb whispers, her voice blending with the quiet ticking of the clock.
"Hah.. no. No, nothing happened. I'm just... stressed. This is all a lot, you know? I'm still a college student- I rarely have time to think for myself. it feels like if I do the wrong thing everything will fall apart. And this whole show feels like the wrong thing."
Nothing is said back to her, not right away at least. She feels Lightbulb's arms tighten around her first, it's left that way for at most a minute. Test Tube slowly calms down during that short but long period of time.
"You don't live in the moment, Tubes. I've said this a lot.. but. It's true."
Lightbulb pulls back slightly, just enough to look at Test Tube.
"It's gotten super duper noticeable recently too!"
"Out of nowhere you're being forced to experience. Out of nowhere you're no longer in a safe zone." Lightbulb let's go of Test Tube, her eyes locked onto the girl infront of her.
"It feels worse when you're getting better, doesn't it? You're moving forward. That's what you're doing! Obviously it's stressful and you want to give up cus of it."
"But why? Why give up when there's more out there? You're a scientist in progress! You're supposed to discover, aren't you? You're supposed to step outside the box!"
Lightbulbs bright smile comes back, bigger than ever.
Test Tube just stands there, unsure what to think or say.
"Wow. I... thank you." Test Tube pauses, trying to think of what she could say in response. That was incredibly out of nowhere. "I don't think I've heard you say something so meaningful before."
Test Tube laughs nervously, but smiles at her friends words.
"The wisest words come from the ones who aren't!" Lightbulb turns around, walking out the door. Baffling Test Tube more than she already had before.
She's weird, but a good friend.
-
Not much time has passed, probably because she keeps looking up at the clock on her wall.
What else is there for her to do, anyways? Her teachers haven't uploaded any of the work to their classroom. And Test Tube has no particular hobbies.
It's 1pm now... she might at well prepare herself for the show tonight. And the fact it'll be lasting the rest of the week.
A shiver runs through her at the mere thought of such a thing...
She's not mad at Lightbulb, as her friend only wanted to push her into some new waters. To help her come out more.
..But did she have to choose such a nerve wracking thing?!
Test Tube groans and lies back onto her bed, covering her face in her hands.
"This is all to much." Test Tube mutters.
She turns to her side and reaches for her phone, and to her surprise. Fan had sent her another message this morning.
It's nothing, just a reminder of what's times she needs to be there and what to expect.
But it brings a smile to her face.
Test Tube starts to question a couple of things, how could Fan possibly be controlling? And why is he so openly hated?
She had just met him, really met him. Now she's defending him from something she isn't involved in and has no say in.
I should stay out of it.
It's all a confusing topic for Test Tube, she has never understood emotions and how others use them. Really, she barely understands herself half the time.
But Fan seems to be really putting her mind to work. Something about him is just... interesting.
She'll show up a bit early, and really see for herself. Surely Fan isn't as bad as Paintbrush makes him up to be.
–––
"This whole thing is a mess, Suitcase! I just.. I just can't believe I have to deal with this for a whole week!"
Fan shakes his head, shoving random things back into his bag. Suitcase stands there awkwardly, Paintbrushes words still linger in her head.
Why should she listen to him complain everyday when he's her boss?
"A week isn't to bad! I don't mind her."
Suitcase says, mentioning Lightbulb.
Lightbulb had talked a lot. It wasn't even related to the topics they were supposed to cover.
"I don't mind her either, but gosh. I don't think we were even able to properly mention today's weather!"
Fan huffs and zips up his bag, throwing it over his shoulder.
"This whole radio show is nonsense!"
Suitcase frowns slightly, it hasn't been all that long since the radio show started. But it feels like every time after the live is done... Fan only sees the negatives.
"I don't understand why OJ would make me do this. We all like money, sure. But I also prefer keeping my sanity!"
"Why don't you just shut it down then?"
Fan stops his rambling, turning towards Suitcase. His eyes are narrowed and only one of his eyebrows raised.
"Please! Like I would stop one of my shows."
"You complain so much about it, though?"
Fan rolls his eyes and turns away from her, no longer interested in the conversation.
"I wouldn't say complain, more like criticism. Surely you agree?"
...
"Yeah." Suitcase mutters. Looking down and away from him, her foot scuffing against the floor purely to distract herself.
"Thanks, Suitcase. See you tomorrow!"
Fan grins, stepping out of the studio.
-
"He can be such an asshole." Painbrush scoffs. They lean back in their chair, leg resting on top of the other.
"I don't think he means it, Paintbrush..." Suitcase mutters, stirring her drink slowly. She watches it swirl and splash.
"Maybe, he definitely doesn't see the problem though." Paintbrush sighs. "Listen, did you just.. push out what I told you a couple days ago?"
They look over at Suitcase with a rather caring but firm look, it's obvious they want her to care for herself. But they've offered help so many times, it's getting frustrating.
"No.. i.. I remember it. Sorry."
Paintbrush shakes their head slightly, almost expecting that answer.
"Well, since you remember it. I'd suggest really keeping it in mind." They sip the coffee they have in hand as they watch Suitcase only stare at hers. "You let people walk over you way too much."
Suitcase frowns, but nods. She finally looks up, her body tense. "I know. But I don't know how to stop it!"
"It's simple, stop listening."
"You're a great listener, but that's what's making this an issue."
Suitcase tilts her head slightly, confused by the interpretation.
"I'm not saying change yourself and be rude. Even if it sounds like it."
"For example, Fan. If you just stop responding. He'll most likely shut up." Paintbrush pauses. "As long as it's work related, that is."
Paintbrush cringes as they remember the time they had asked Fan about a particular reference he made. He didn't shut up until Paintbrush told him to.
"You're right."
She takes a deep breath and stands up. "Next time I'll take your words into full consideration. Thank you."
Paintbrush smiles slightly, shrugging. "Don't take it to seriously. I'm just helping a friend out." They wave their hand dismissively but obviously enjoyed the thanks.
Suitcase smiles back, "whatever you say, Paintbrush. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
Paintbrush nods, "See you then."
--
"I'm starting to regret agreeing. This is a disaster." Fan mumbles to himself, he leans against his sink. He reaches for the gel, rubbing it in his hands slightly before slicking his hair back.
He stops midway, staring at his reflection carefully. Maybe a new hairstyle is due. this isn't hitting as hard as it used to.
Fan shakes his head and looks down at his phone, hearing a ding.
–"What's the address to your studio?"
Fan stops, he forgot about Test Tube. Well, not really. He forgot she's supposed to be the co-host.
Fan quickly washes his hands off, not bothering to use soap or properly dry them.
–"2214 Moore Ave."
He sighs, looking at the time. It's not even close to the time Test Tube is supposed to show up. It's in a whole hour and a half. Is she already heading that way?
"I don't understand early people." Fan says to himself.
–"there's still about an hour and a half before it starts, are you coming in early?"
–"I am. I'd prefer to get a closer look at things and go over the rules again."
"Oh crap." Fan mumbles, he looks back up at the mirror. Screw the slick back, it's not that cool anyways.
Fan sets his phone aside and turns on the sink, rinsing out the gel as best as he can. It's surprisingly stubborn, but he doesn't have time to take another shower. This will have to do.
He leans back up and huffs, his hair now soaked.
"Gee..I didn't think this through!"
Fan glances around, where did he put his hair dryer? He searches through the drawer after drawer, before finally finding it. This better be worth it!
-
"Wow, finally got rid of the gel?" Marshmallow says, looking up from her laptop.
"I had a change of heart. It wasn't... hitting the spot anymore." Fan shrugs.
"It never did."
Fan's eyes narrow, a frown slowly forming. Marshmallow only snickers.
"You really know how to make a guy insecure, Marshmallow, real insecure!" He huffs and turns away from her.
"Stop whining, it was just a joke." She sighs, closing her laptop as she realizes the time.
"Hey- I am not whining. What's up with you people!" Fan blurts out. First Suitcase saying he complains a lot now this? He just knows his day won't get any better.
"What time will Test Tube get here? You said she's showing up early." She says, ignoring his comment.
Fan perks up slightly, "I uh... don't know. Probably soon?" He reaches into his pocket, looking at the time on his phone.
"Oh. She's uh.. on her way."
Marshmallow looks back at Fan and stares at him for a second, "She seems organized. Good thing OJ chose her and not Lightbulb."
"She's nice, but maybe.. a little to energetic for our set. I listened to your channel this morning, she talks a lot."
Fan sighs and nods, "don't get me started. I don't mind her- not at all! Just... not a very good candidate."
"Well, let's just hope Test Tube is better. I have high hopes."
-
Test Tube stands outside the studio, the buildings tall stature looming over her more than it already did the first time she had visited. She takes a deep breath grabs her phone, texting Fan she's here.
It feels like forever waiting for him, her anxiety rising by the second. She leans against the wall and stares ahead as a couple people pass by her, not even glancing at her.
It's more comforting than it seems, blending in is better than standing out.
"Test Tube?"
Test Tube steps back and almost trips on her own feet. "Golly!" She yelps, barely catching herself on the wall.
"...er" Fan starts to say something but fails as Test Tube balances herself and wipes off her clothes.
"Are you ready?" Fan decides to ask instead.
Test Tube looks up and at Fan and shakes her head yes, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment. "...yeah. I am."
Fan smiles at her. He nods to the side, motioning her to follow him. "Alright!"
The walk to the set is awkward, neither two say much of anything. Test Tube tried to ask what his favorite food was, only for him to stop and think for a minute before shrugging and giving a 'I don't know'
Fan seems to be better at asking the questions rather than answering them. But it's to bad Test Tube is the same way.
"You're in college still, right?" Fan asks, stopping right outside the changing room.
Test Tube pauses, she didn't expect to be asked about school. Really, she didn't want to be asked about school.
"I am. I'm getting a masters in biology. I don't have to. But I am. Then I have medical school. Then another graduate program." Test Tube mutters, she tenses up halfway through the sentence.
Fan's eyebrows raise, not exactly expecting to her to go into slight detail. "That's uh..."
"A lot? Yeah, I know." Test Tube interrupts, crossing her arms over her chest. Fan nods slowly and clears his throat.
"Well..er.. you've seen this room before, but we've got something special in it this time!"
Fan opens the door, only a few people are inside. There's one spot by the mirrors that's cluttered and looks like someone lives there, Fan just so happens to walk up to it.
"I stay in here when not on set. I think you already know that." Fan says, he pushes some stuff out of the way and pulls out the chair. "Take a seat right here! I'll be back."
Fan rushes off, heading towards one of the people in a corner. They ignore him for a moment before he end up waving his hand infront of their face.
Test Tube looks away from Fan and back down at fhe cluttered area. It only seems messy and not dirty, thankfully. But she still wishes he had her sit anywhere else.
She looks off to the side, taking in her surroundings. There's about 3 people in here besides her and Fan, each of them working on some kind of prop or costume. expect for one, Fan had taken up all their attention.
"Test Tube!" Fan calls out, making his way back towards her.
"OJ really felt the need to make you blend in more, so he had the costume department make you this. It's barely anything...-"
He hands her a polkadot tie, the same colors of his own dorky bow tie but has a yellow base and blue dots instead "But it matches my bow tie!"
TestTube takes the tie carefully, staring down at it irreverently. "Oh uh...." She holds it up to her shirt, it definitely stands out. "Thanks?"
"You're welcome!" Fan says as if he made the tie himself or even came up with the idea. "It's a nice addition."
"...absolutely" is all Test Tube manages to get out. She isn't a huge fan of bold and bright colors...or patterns.
Fan stands there, staring at Test Tube. Seemingly waiting for her to say more. She clears her throat and smiles at him.
"So should I just.. wear it now?" Test Tube asks, trying her best to engage with Fan properly. But it's hard.
"Yes! Yes, go ahead."
Test Tube nods slowly and wraps it around her neck and tying it carefully. It looks stupid, with her not wearing a collared shirt. She'll have to try and remember to wear one next time.
By the time she looks back up, Fan is putting on his own bowtie. He adjusts it at least 4 different times before deciding to just tighten it out of frustration.
"I don't think I've met much of the staff, only Marshmallow and OJ." Test Tube blurts out, determined to stray away from the silence.
Fan looks back at her then the three other people in the room. "Well..we don't have that much staff, to be honest. At least in this building. Our editors and promotional team work at home mostly."
"Who are they, then?" Test Tube points over the the three people now huddled together at a table, looking over a prop for the upcoming episode.
"Oh uhm." Fan looks nervous to say for some reason "That's Salt" He says, gesturing to the girl with brown and blonde streaked hair, "uhmm... that's Pepper" his finger points at the girl next to salt.
He pauses for a moment. Test Tube can see why he was nervous now, it's obvious he doesn't remember their names.
"The guy is Silver." He finally gets out, letting out a deep breath.
He leans in closer to Test Tube, who tenses at the sudden closeness. She looks down at him, he looks a little different when up close. His hair looks a lot more frizzy and his suit isn't as clean as it seems from afar.
"To be honest, I might be wrong. I don't really remember their names." Fan whispers, he looks up. Now he tenses, realizing how close he is to Test Tube.
Neither of them move at first, their eyes locked onto the other. "I uhm..-" Fan starts only for Test Tube to stumble on her words at the same time.
"Er.. you uh.." Test Tube pauses.
"Go ahead. Sorry." Fan mumbles, not stepping back but not stepping forward.
"It's nothing. It's just...-" Test Tube stares down at Fan as if he has the answer to her unfinished sentence. Apparently he does.
She points at a dark spot on Fan's under shirt. "You have a stain on your button-up."
Fan stops and instantly jumps away from Test Tube and looks into the mirror rather dramatically.
"whhhAAAT!" Fan leans in close to the mirror and sees the stain. He looks around the room in a panic, trying his best to find anything that could get rid of it
"SALT!" Fan blurts out, turning around quickly. The girl takes her time to respond to him, she's seen rolling her eyes and sitting up straight.
"What?" She already looks fed up, her arms are crossed over her chest and one of her eyebrows raised in annoyance.
"Do– do you have ANY stain removal? Or maybe another under shirt...?" He tugs at the shirt anxiously, which only earns a scoff from Salt. Pepper rubs her shoulder and whispers something before standing up and making way to a bag on one of the crowded tables.
"Here Fan. You should like, carry these on you with how jittery you are about your appearance sometimes." Pepper hands a stain removal pen to Fan. He lets out a long sigh of relief
"I have to look good for thr camera. You get it! Right?" Fan says, gesturing to Pepper's 'overdressed' outfit and styled hair.
Pepper's eyebrows furrow at Fan's words.
"I LIKE to look good. You on the other hand- have to put effort into your appearance to look even slightly attractive." Pepper huffs and turns away from Fan, making her way back to Salt and Silver.
Test Tube stands there awkwardly, she feels terrible for causing this. She didn't have to point it out. If anything, she wasn't even able to see the stain untill she looked for longer than 5 seconds. Really no one's looking at Fan for that long.
Fan stands there frozen. he stiffly turns away from Pepper, grumbling under his breath.
"Your stepping into the right direction with dropping that gel" Salt adds on, snickering.
Fan takes a deep breath, Test Tube can tell he's trying to ignore the comments on his appearance. She feels even worse.
"uh...You're not a bad looking guy, Fan." Test Tube says shortly, stepping next to him and stiffly patting his back.
Fan slowly looks up at Test Tube, his eyes are obviously watery. Jeez. This guy is sensitive.
"Really? You mean that?" Fan mumbles.
Test Tube tries her best to smile at him. "Of course!" She pats his back again before stepping away.
"You're the nicest person I know." Fan suddenly says, staring up at Test Tube with bug like eyes. It's weird.
"Oh uhm. Neat. Haha." Test Tube puts a thumbs up, nodding. What's up with this guy?
Fan just smiles at Test Tube, looking back at the mirror and using the pen on the stain.
'Alright then. I guess he's fine..' Test Tube thinks. She sits back into the chair next to the crowded station, waiting for Fan to finish removing the stain.
––
Lightbulb leans back against the couch, her feet propped up on the coffee table. She's waiting for F.F.F to start, even though that won't be for another hour. She's just determined to watch her friends first time on live television.
She's had and interesting day so far, she liked getting to know Paintbrush and Suitcase. Fan on the other hand, she's completely confused about.
Paintbrush had almost warned her about him. Telling her to 'not be to nice' and that he'll 'latch on like a leech'. Lightbulb isn't really isn't sure whether if she should listen to their words or not. No one should be given a cold shoulder unless they're absolutely horrible, of course!
Lightbulb hums as she grabs her phone, getting bored of the broadcasted shows. She does nothing in particular before getting fhe grand idea of calling Paintbrush. They barely know eachother, but she's intrigued by them.
It's been a while since she's been able to really get to know someone other than Test Tube. So she'll take advantage of this!
"Hello?" Paintbrush says, they sound tired. Almost like they just woke up.
"Yello Paintbrush!" Lightbulb exclaims
"...Lightbulb? Uh.. why are you calling me? If you're looking for another ride, I kind of can't right now." They say, shuffling is heard on the other side.
"Nope, nothing is needed! I just wanted to call." She says
"Right.. well, I'm trying to take a nap. I appreciate your friendliness-"
"So... how's that painting going? You know. Like the one you mentioned this morning" Lightbulb asks. She won't give up easily, She's bored and won't stay bored!
Paintbrush must be incredibly expressive, as a heavy sigh is heard almost instantly at the interruption.
"It's around the same. I haven't worked on it much today. I've been.. doing nothing really."
Lightbulb smiles widely as Paintbrush opens up the slightest bit. She jumps up off of the couch and idly walks around the house as she talks to them about their work and overall nonsense.
But eventually it goes back to Fan. Paintbrush's mood seems to die down instantly at the mention of his boss.. or coworker. Lightbulb isn't sure.
"He's a real pain." Is all they say, but Lightbulb pushes.
"C'mon, you gotta tell me more than that. Like why does he suck so much?" She asks
"I've already told you most of it this morning. He's just a controlling person, mentally unwell or not, he should know better." Paintbrush overly summarizes.
"You're really confusing me here!"
"Genuinely, how? I'm making this really straightforward." Paintbrush grumbles.
"No I know, I'm just... not sure what to think of him now..!" Lightbulb starts, she makes her way back to the couch and settles down.
"Should I be worried about Test Tube?"
"...not sure. I don't know much about your friend still. It's not like he'll hurt her. I'd just worry about him draining every aspect of joy out of her. He's really good at doing that.."
"That was my experience at least. I do think he could use a bit of a change. Or a friend."
Lightbulb pauses, it's back to being confusing. She really can't tell if she should avoid or befriend Fan.
"Though one thing I know I'm certain on, never date that guy. He's a mess in that department." Painbrush says
"What? Did you date him?" Lightbulb perks up, her interest instantly back.
"Huh?! No! Never! Don't even say that. Ugh. No." Paintbrush says quickly "I just know him well enough to know he's not dateable."
"Aw man. That would've been so fun to hear about!" Lightbulb sighs dramatically.
"Sure would've, to bad it never happened." Paintbrush grumbles. Lightbulb only laughs.
Lightbulb looks over at the time, it's almost 8! She didn't even realize.
"I gotta go! I need to see Test Tube on TV!" She says loudly, "BYE!!" She hangs up abruptly and switches to the channel.
Lightbulb stares at the TV intently, waiting for the show to switch. A big smile forms on her face as she sees the F.F.F logo pop up onto the screen, shortly after Fan is on the screen.
"Welcome back to F.F.F! Where your ideas become my profit!" Fan starts off, a grin on his face that looks drastically different from the normal smile Lightbulb saw on him when they met.
She ignores the first thing he said, it was stupid. All she cares about is her friend, of course!
"Starting today, we'll have a co-host to help out!" The camera finally pans out, and there Test Tube is. She's smiling only barely and her wave small.
Lightbulb giggles at the sight, it's funny to see her friend in such a setting. On top of that, she's wearing a brightly colored polka dot tie! She's never seen her friend wear such a thing before. It's almost a beautiful sight to see Test Tube so out of her shell.
Lightbulb can't help but feel proud.
-