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Chapter Text

“‘Ello?” A mouse with a metallic headpiece inquired through the house phone in the kitchen. “Since you have expressed your unworthy and unnecessary opinion, you are dismissed from the PTA! Zort!” A distant voice in protest was heard from the phone’s speaker. The mouse laughed maniacally as a response and hung up the phone. 

A shorter mouse with a half-metal head was eavesdropping near the corner until he decided to speak. “Dark Pinky, dear?” He sighed. “You concluded on discharging Rebecca now?” 

“Why, yes I did! Troz! She thought she could criticize my gluten free muffins like that?!” Pinky said this while clenching his paws.

“Fascinating…” the mouse paused for a moment, hesitant on changing the topic. “On another note, I have an important question. It’s about…” Before he could say more, the phone rang. Pinky picked it up. “‘Ello? This is the Dark Future residence. Dark Pinky is speaking~” 

After a few seconds on the line, he yawned and gave the phone to the other mouse. “It’s for you, Future Brain.” Brain picked up the phone and almost immediately brightened up once he recognized the voice. “Yes! Yes, of course! I’ll be there momentarily, sir.”

Pinky looked over at his husband, unamused with his sudden happiness. “Oh, what is it this time?” He asked the shorter mouse with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Brain glanced at his partner. “I obtained the promotion!” 

“Oh wow~” Pinky replied ironically. “You must be so proud of yourself.” Brain frowned at him. “What is ailing you?” He asked, hating how Pinky ruined the mood. “You are not going to like me saying this, but it’s your work ethic?” the taller mouse replied teasingly. 

“I am not convinced in the slightest. What is the true error of my statement?” Brain waited impatiently for a coherent response but still didn’t get anything. “Well, I’m leaving for work. I suppose you should take care of yourself.” He left the house without another word. 

After closing the front door and heading towards the driveway, Brain looked back at the place he called home. It was a two-story house in the heart of the suburbs with a custom paint job. Specifically, the residence was painted metallic black with a dark purple roof. The door was the same color of the roof to complement it. 

His environment felt so alienating yet he brushed it off with a sense of confidence. Even though Brain was out of the ordinary, he still desired some sort of closure. Despite that, it was debatable whether or not he defined this as such. The mouse pressed a button near the garage to open the fence surrounding the property. 

It was a barbed wire fence with a similar nature to the ones found in prisons. This couple would go extensive lengths to keep others off of their precious vicinity. The spiked wires sparkled as a response to the sun’s rays. It was one of the little things that the mice seemed to admire from time to time. The feeling of radiant security was sure to please. 

Brain soon enough entered his car which included equipment to make it more accessible for creatures of a smaller stature. He backed out of the driveway, closed the fence with the button, and drove to work. 

As the mouse drove through the subdivision, the houses within his community seemed simultaneously comforting and nauseating. Brain was reminded of the question he meant to ask his spouse. Knowing his partner’s abilities, Pinky might have picked up on Brain’s thoughts while he was in the room. He decided it was best to think about the good news for now. After all, he was getting the promotion of his dreams! 

The rest of the drive through the town of Hellsdale felt like a procession to a highly prestigious awards ceremony. At that moment, this achievement somehow felt like his life’s goal. Once he arrived at work, Brain walked into his boss’ office confidently. The boss eyed his employee and smiled. Brain’s employer was a plump mouse with humanlike curly hair on the sides of his head. He possessed a bright orange suit with a novelty tie. 

“Hi, I’m Business Larry.” “I know, sir.” “Take a seat.” Brain did as instructed. “Now about your promotion… I’ve got some good news and bad news!” The employee gulped at his boss’ supposed ‘news.’ Knowing Business Larry, he was a loose cannon in the corporate world. No one was truly capable of predicting his actions. 

Brain felt like a fool for envisioning the encounter to go his way. The tunnel vision from the euphoria proved to be impractical. Nonetheless, he was defensive towards his desires. 

The disgruntled employee stood up and slammed his paws on his boss’ desk. “Listen here, you incompetent risk taker! I’ve had it-“ “Then have it. I’m retiring but you can take my place!”

 Brain ceased from his aggressions and sat down again, needing a moment to take in the information. “That is… an honor, sir!” The pleasure he had made an enormous comeback. He was slightly skeptical of his boss’ decision, but chose to accept it. 

Larry smiled at his successor. “You start next Monday. I believe that this will be a bright future for the company!” The soon to be former boss chuckled. Brain forced himself to laugh even though the pun made him a bit angry. 

The mouse continued his last day of work in the cubicle and then drove away from the office building while jamming out to his favorite edgy dad rock song. He truly felt like the world was his. A rush of nostalgia filled his soul throughout the car ride which moved to the beat of the song on the radio. Once he entered the neighborhood, however, the party seemed to stop. Brain arrived at home shortly after. 

“Dark Pinky, I’m home.” Brain stated while entering the house. Pinky put a hand on his hip and smirked. “Egad, Brain! So you actually replaced your boss? It’s about time you did so~” 

“Indeed.” He hung up his menacing yet business-oriented coat and took a seat on his favorite techno-themed armchair. “So, am I receiving a special dinner for my accomplishments?” Brain looked over at Pinky hopefully. “Hehe~ no! Narf! But I was considering Taco Bell.” 

Brain rolled his eyes. “You always discuss a healthy lifestyle with your cohorts and then indulge yourself in greasy, unauthentic Mexican cuisine.” “Mhm! And you end up eating it as well~” Pinky replied. “I suppose.” Brain grumbled. “Would you order me two Crunchwrap Supremes?” 

Pinky flashed a grin and dialed the number for Taco Bell. Brain turned on the television and watched a sci-fi movie that was… an acquired taste to say the least. After calling, Pinky sprawled out on the intimidating loveseat near his partner’s armchair. “So, about your question from earlier?”

“Have you been experiencing complications with your memories?” Brain really wondered if Pinky was dealing with the same issue as him. He could not remember much before their wedding and it bothered him until the good news set in. Now, it unfortunately came back to bite. 

“Yes, I have.” Pinky admitted quickly, considering the fact that he waited to confirm Brain’s question all day. “So it’s not an exclusive issue.” Brain concluded. He couldn’t decide whether that was better or worse. It felt comforting that he wasn’t alone, but the implications of an underlying pattern were unsettling. The shorter mouse assumed it was best not to linger too much on it. Nevertheless, there was not enough evidence for the implications. 

 “And how would you explain your initial hostility towards my new career opportunity?” Brain asked his husband, still slightly agitated by the situation. He was basically replacing one stressor with another but that was the curse assumed to be his life. The taller mouse looked over at Brain mischievously. “You should be aware of how I know everyone in this community, including your old boss. Also I was being sarcastic, not hostile!” 

“Mr. Business Larry would tell me he intended to greet you but I assumed it was common courtesy.” Brain said. “I never liked him.” Pinky claimed. “But I’m not fond of most people. Troz!” “It suits you to keep your enemies close.” 

Pinky couldn’t help but be flattered by that. Brain stood up from his armchair, wanting to sit with his partner for a while. He did as desired until the fence bell was activated. The remote to the fence made a ringing sound to notify that someone was here. “Eek! It must be the Taco Bell!” Pinky quickly got up from the loveseat excitedly and opened the door. He then pressed the remote to open the fence. 

A tired delivery guy awkwardly walked to the doorstep, looking like he could have just stumbled into their house and crashed on the floor. The person also had bloodshot eyes, implying that he was not sober. “Uh, like delivery for Dirk Penny.”

 Pinky seethed at his name being mispronounced. “It’s Dark Pinky…” The guy looked down at his customer and carelessly set the bag of food next to the rodent. The bag tipped over, causing some of the contents to fall out. If the food was not fortunately wrapped, let’s just say that the delivery guy would have not made it home. “Yeah that’s cool, little dude. Now that will be fourteen dollars.” 

“Hold on one moment~” He sang and rushed to the storage area to ‘pay’ the delivery guy. Pinky usually printed his cash, but the machine was down and Monopoly money would do in this case. “Here you go! Narf!” He handed the ‘money’ to the person with a not-so-genuine grin. The delivery guy put away the false currency without noticing a thing. “Whatever, have a nice day.”

Once the guy left the property, Pinky slammed the door behind him and closed the gate. He would be sure to write a terrible review about the poor service he had to endure! Not to mention, a long and confrontational talk with the manager of the establishment. 

After considering a plan to get revenge, he started carrying the food to the dinner table. Brain assisted his spouse and they both finally sat down to eat. The two mice indulged in the delectable pleasures of the processed meals. “I would prefer to sleep earlier tonight.” The shorter mouse told the other, even more tired from the large amount of food he ate. 

“What are you, an old man?! Zort!” Pinky laughed. “It’s seven o’clock!” “I had an eventful day. Therefore, I am exhausted.” Brain replied, yawning shortly after. “And we’re not young after all.” 

The other rodent paused for a short while until making a comment. “Hmph! Well, time is an annoying concept.” Brain couldn’t exactly argue that claim. Time can be a complicated structure and there was no telling what would be in store. If only he had the means to go back. 

“Speaking of which, our little Romy is staying the night at his friend’s house. His friend also happens to be the son of Rebecca! Hahahaha! Narf!” Pinky announced in an amused tone.

 “How does that relate to our conversation on time?” Brain asked. He was also too emotionally exhausted to hear Pinky’s drama right now. But, to be fair, it did somewhat explain the aggressive phone call his husband made earlier. Brain hoped that Romy didn’t hear it while Rebecca was on the call. 

“Because we finally have time to ourselves~” Pinky looked over at Brain longingly, craving his partner’s affection. “I would like it if you spent time with me! Troz! Let’s watch a comedy film!”

“My dear, your definition of comedy is immensely questionable.” Brain rolled his eyes. “The last ‘comedy’ film you picked ended up being a horror movie. You laughed at the characters’ death scenes.” 

“It was cheesily done so that counts! Plus, the characters were all so unlikeable. Oh, but the word cheesily reminds me of cheese. Poit! Yummy!” Pinky cackled after saying that.

Brain was simultaneously uncomfortable and attracted by Pinky’s mindset. Now that he thought about it, Brain did not spend as much time with his spouse that day. “I suppose I can stay up a little while longer.” 

“Oh goody!” Pinky exclaimed. Following that, he rushed to the living room and hopped on the loveseat. Brain sighed, throwing away the garbage from the meal they had. He sat next to Pinky after cleaning up. The taller mouse ended up turning on a poorly made horror flick. “The graphics are atrocious.” Brain commented. 

“Mhm!” Pinky agreed, putting arm around his husband. The movie’s plot ended up being as terrible as it appeared. So much so that Brain agreed that the film was indeed a comedy. Within an hour, Brain laid his head on the other mouse’s lap. He never felt this much bliss in a while and started to doze off. 

Before he fully fell asleep, brief musings of the future occured in his mind. That is why his full name was Future Brain… right? Seemingly every job and relationship possibility twirled around his head like a mobile. Soon enough, a deep sleep struck him. Pinky noticed that he was asleep but stayed up a few hours longer until following suit. The couple calmly slept together, unaware of the upcoming forecast. 

Chapter Text

The weekend passed in a similar way to any other. Brain tended the lawn and did other yard work to make the landscape as tidy as possible. Meanwhile, Pinky met up with his loyal posse at the local coffee shop and discussed neighborhood gossip. The couple’s son, Dark Future Romy, played with other kids in the subdivision after getting picked up from his friend’s house. Even though all seemed familiar, Monday would be a new milestone for Brain.

The alarm clock on the nightstand of the bedroom beeped annoyingly, awakening Brain from his slumber. He stretched and rose from his bed, looking forward to today’s work. The rodent donned a sleek, black suit with a gray pinstripe tie. It was the best outfit he had and was acquired for a special moment like this. 

“Leaving so soon?” A familiar voice questioned. Brain turned his head and saw Pinky, who was on the other side of the bed. His partner was still tucked in yet his eyes were somewhat open, indicating that he was at least half awake. “I plan to arrive at work earlier.” Brain answered while fastening his tie. “I have more of a responsibility and the results of my performance will ensure success.” 

“Whatever you say, Mr. Bossman. Troz…” Pinky drifted back into sleep shortly after saying this and Brain ended up genuinely smiling as a result. “Well, I’m off.” He gently closed the bedroom door from behind him and eventually left the house to drive to the office.

Even though the mouse was confident on his way to the building, uncertainty struck him the moment he pulled into the parking lot. Unsurprisingly, Larry did not tell Brain what to expect as the president of the company. He initially prepared based on what he anticipated but did not account for the unexpected. Despite it all, Brain forced himself out of the car and relied on his own planning. 

The new boss carried out a strut through the complex while some people looked over at him curiously. It was not often that one’s employer was a large-headed mouse with a half-mechanical face. Eventually, he reached his new office. It felt peculiar seeing it look so simple since Larry was big on decorating his office with unique items. Brain took the honor of sitting at the desk for the very first time. 

The pleather office chair was even more comfortable than it looked. The mouse examined his new desk, remembering that the box he packed with was present. Brain opened the box which mainly contained family photos and office supplies. After setting all the items up, a knock on the door was heard. 

“Come in.” He said, positioning himself in a professional manner. The door slowly opened and a mouse intern stepped in, dragging a stack of documents. He was on the heavy side like Larry but seemed to have an aura of bad luck surrounding him.  “These are for you, sir…” the young worker said hesitantly. “Excellent. Set the papers on my desk.” The boss folded his hands. 

Pity and empowerment towards the nervous worker embodied him. Brain suddenly released an unintentionally intimidating grin, startling the intern. The subordinate set down the papers quickly and rushed out of the office. The boss raised his brow, starting his paperwork shortly after. 

Towards the end of the day, Brain called for a meeting in every department. He sat at the head of the table, waiting for all of his employees to roll in. They did so, arriving earlier than expected. Brain assumed the encounter he had with the intern diffused throughout the work environment beforehand. 

The moment the new boss stood on the edge of the table near his seat, everyone sat up nervously in unison. The employer really wondered what kinds of rumors of him spread from the earlier interaction. Nonetheless, he loved their obedience towards him. 

“Before retiring, Mr. Business Larry rightfully passed down his authority to me. As your new president, I shall awaken a new era within this company.” Brain announced as he shuffled some papers in front of him. “These pamphlets will depict the new rules and expectations I have for you all as my employees. Take one and distribute them around.” The workers did as they were instructed.

 “I expect you to read and understand the conditions by the time you arrive at work the next day. This meeting is dismissed.” Most of the staff left afterwards, too afraid to ask any questions. One ended up approaching Brain. It was the intern from earlier who was even more nervous, but seemed like he had a reason to be there. “Sir, I have a question.” 

“What question would you desire to ask me?” Brain made direct eye contact with the employee, anticipating the inquiry. The other mouse looked off to the side until processing what he wanted to say.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way but are you in pain?” The mouse intern asked. “It’s been bothering me all day and I know I’m new to this business. It’s just…”

Brain really wanted to get back to work before his day ended. “Yes, carry on.” “It’s just that you’re constantly on edge. It made me wonder!” 

“…That’s all you needed to ask me?” “Yup!” 

The boss tried really hard not to throw his documents right onto the intern. Ironically enough, the heavy stack of papers fell onto the other mouse once Brain attempted to move them out of the way. “Well, that is quite the conclusion.” The boss then called for help and felt his scar. Did he really look that much in pain? In reality, Brain believed he felt more numb. 

Brain returned home and sat down on the couch. He was awfully tired from the first day of work after his promotion. Where was Dark Pinky when he needed him? “Dark Pinky?” No answer. Brain decided to give his partner a call.

“Hello, honey!” “Greetings. Where are you right now? As you must know, I just returned from work.” 

“Don’t be such a baby! Narf! I’m at a demonic tupperware party with my minions~” Pinky said this teasingly. “If you’re that stressed without me, you can come meet me at Susan’s!” Brain would have liked it if Pinky told him beforehand. “You know why else I’m stressed.” “Aha~ Well, I’ll see you soon!” Pinky hung up the phone. 

“Feels good to be appreciated…” Brain sighed, contemplating on whether he should go to that ‘demonic’ tupperware party. His husband was big on indulgences and had the tendency of being impulsive. Despite all that, the sudden hang up lingered in his head. Perhaps he would go after some well earned rest.

After an hour, Brain got up and prepared for the party. He slipped on something a little more casual and left the house. 

Brain arrived at the house of the one they call Susan. The hostess herself opened the door with an inviting grin. “Why hello there Mr. Future Brain. It’s a pleasure to have you here!” He nodded to the greeting as a response and followed the woman into the home. 

Romy, who was sitting at the kids’ table, noticed his father and waved over at him. Brain waved back and then directed his attention at his spouse. Pinky was talking with some neighborhood moms until he noticed Future Brain. “Oh, you’re finally here.” 

“Yes and you had to hang up on me. I wasn’t finished.” The shorter mouse crossed his arms. A few moms just sat there awkwardly, eyeing the couple. 

“Egad, Future Brain! We’re drawing attention!” Dark Pinky walked up to his husband. “We have to talk.” He stated in a quieter tone and then briefly shifted his attention to the concerned housewives. “He’s gotten cockier ever since the promotion! Zort! I might have to have a talk with him~” 

Pinky motioned for Brain to follow him to the neighbor’s backyard. Brain sighed and followed. “We could have just gone home and discussed this.” “Oh! I suppose you’re right! Teehee! Troz!” 

“Don’t waste my time. You already know my concerns.” Brain regretted coming here. This made Pinky upset, firmly placing both his paws on his husband’s shoulders.

“Eek! It’s so confusing not knowing what your life was like before our wedding! I get that but can’t we just enjoy ourselves and our life? Just stop… pondering.”

“…pondering?” Hearing that word leave his lips almost felt natural. “Yes, love.” The taller mouse replied. “You’re stubborn and oh so big headed! Narf! But I need you to find peace right now. It hurts to hear your thoughts.” 

Brain tried his best to take a deep breath but felt like he was underwater. He still was capable of letting out a simple “perhaps” after pathetically attempting to fully calm down. His suspicions were the only uncertainty he had in this new life. If Brain could let it go, then he would truly be free. But nonetheless, it was odd that the only push back was himself.

“Oh Future Brain!” Pinky leaned down, wrapping his arms around his spouse and couldn’t help but snicker. “You’re still being a pain in the ass!” “Pardon me for my exceptional intellect. Well, I suppose I shall spare you the thought, my dear. I should focus more on my career in the near future anyhow.” If peace was the only certain choice on the table, then he would take it. 

“You still aren’t certain but it’s better than nothing! Troz!” Pinky smiled a little and Brain tried to ape his reaction awkwardly. This followed with a laugh from the taller mouse who affectionately stroked the organic side of the tiny cyborg’s face, aiming to plant a kiss on the cheek. Brain jerked back unexpectedly, shaking shortly afterward. “Egad, Future Brain! That was so sudden!” Pinky exclaimed in a concerned manner. Brain took a short while to process his reaction.

 “I am likely tired.” He concluded. “You know the immense discontent I have towards unnecessary festivities.” “You are quite the party pooper! Zort!” Pinky teased with a smirk. Brain responded with an eye roll, finding his spouse’s behavior juvenile as usual. “Anyhoo~ I can’t keep my minions waiting!” Pinky dragged his husband back into the public eye with him. “We’re back!” The taller mouse announced to the hoard of suburban housewives.

The moms welcomed him back while some got nosy and tried to ask Pinky some questions about his initial conversation. Pinky shrugged it off and directed the conversation towards the new model of tupperware that he was selling. Brain watched the activities from a distance, sitting near a confused middle aged man in a Hawaiian shirt who was assumed to be Susan’s husband. 

“You will not believe how much food my tupperware model contains! It comes with a secret compartment and security measures to keep that delicious, savory meal to yourself! Narf!” Pinky presented on how his product could shoot poisonous darts and lasers once opened by an intruder. This was fortunately shown on a tv screen. “Not to mention that it comes in two fashionable colors: ‘Eternal Slumber Black’ and ‘Out of Touch Purple!’” The suburban moms clapped after a moment of hesitation. “Now that will be one thousand dollars!”

Brain facepalmed, wanting this all to be done and over with. The remaining couple of hours went by slowly and Brain managed to slip away from the smothering grasp of the cringeworthy housewife convention he witnessed. He did this by saying that it was Romy’s bedtime and left quickly with his son. 

Once returning home, Brain felt justifiably tired but still managed to do his bedtime routine. Afterwards, the only task left he had to do was fall asleep. The mouse laid down on his side of the bed but still couldn’t get himself to get the proper rest he needed. His eyes didn’t even feel heavy at this point. It felt like he couldn’t afford to sleep. Perhaps this was part of the numbness he always perceived he was aware of. The intern thought of it as pain and there might be truth to such a declaration.

 From time to time, Brain’s scar would ache but his thoughts were often focused on his surroundings and ambitions. It is common for living beings to have scars anyways. It was ironic how Brain promised to stop his skepticism yet he was now centering his attention towards a specific physical condition. The best thing he could do right now is distract himself. The mouse went downstairs and watched one of the few documentaries he couldn’t debunk, falling asleep halfway through. For some reason, the couch felt less intimidating than the bed he had to share.