Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eclipse knew life hated him.

He knew so from the very beginning of his sentience, when he realised what being a daycare attendant actually meant.

Now he did not necessarily hate the little brats, but god knows he doesn't have the patience for them. For people in general. He's always been introverted, and that's not going to change.

Eclipse dared to hope, when the Animatronics' Rights Movement succeeded, that life would finally smile upon him. And for a while, it did.

After years, he finally had the chance for an actual education, and like in every aspect, he excelled. And he didn't just excel, oh no. He bloomed, he shined and he showed that he's more than what he was built for.

When he applied for multiple courses at uni, people were sceptical. Him, a mere daycare attendant believing he can keep up with the big guys. They thought him cute. But oh, did he show them that he's above all of them.

Getting all his doctorates with the biggest smile he could imagine, barely not laughing at all the humans and their shocked little expressions. They thought he'd fail.

But he thrived.

He thrived just to spite the ignorant fools, just to show he was more than their little design for him. And by doing so, he became something like a role model for animatronics still believing humanity's initial designs for them. He showed they can be more.

When fresh out of university he was approached by a strange, somewhat cryptic human, who said they had just the right job for him, he honestly believed he was being walked into some form of trafficking ring. But when the papers were pressed in his hand, and that sweet offer was made, he couldn't just refuse. Even if he knew he was probably being fooled, something in him still urged him to take the man up on his offer. And he wasn't disappointed.

Walking into the SCP Foundation for the first time felt like a dream.

The people there were incredibly interested in his skills, his processor's capacity and abilities, any special feature he may have, any upgrade he may want. It was honestly overwhelming.

Before he knew it, he shook hands, got a nametag and keycard, and was left baffled at the entrance of the facility with a new job to his name, and an impending sense of doom of just what he signed his name to.

Going to his new work, which started immediately of course how charming, he was baffled when introduced to his first anomaly. A nice, friendlyish one at first, they didn't want to scare away their newest and first animatronic researcher just like that.

He was immediately intrigued.

And down went Alice into the rabbit hole, with no idea of however she'd get out of it.

Some of his co-workers were honestly surprised by his unbothered nature about some of the more... let's just say, questionable anomalies.

The grotesque, the bizarre, the downright terrifying interested him, which was, honestly, nothing new.

He's always been a bit eccentric as some of the parents called him, so really, he wasn't all that surprised when he didn't run away screaming when faced with creatures like SCP-106 for the first time.

If anything, he was excited to learn more. He wanted to pick them apart, dissect them, see what makes them tick, what gives them their strange and unimaginable abilities.

For him, this was the dream job and the Foundation was the best workplace he could ever wish for.

He was aware of some of the more unsavoury practices of course, he wasn't a blind blithering fool like some of the people here thought him to be.

Using humans as lab rats, no matter how rotten they may be, will always be an ethical question that humanity gets its panties twisted on. Eclipse for most, didn't care.

He didn't care about the scum of an already shitty race of people. And he himself held a very special hatred for all those monsters salivating after children.

He might not have liked his initial purpose, but that didn't mean he completely hated the little turds. Some of them, he might have even liked.

So, he used the D-class with an almost sadistic fashion, terrifying some of his freshly hired colleagues with his attitude, but ultimately rising amongst the ranks much faster than the fools damning him a monster.

He's been put on multiple projects, like the time he got the chance to talk with SCP-049, but it appeared as if the Foundation didn't quite know where to put him.

When he finally got his level 4 clearance, and with it newer SCP files, he wasn't all that surprised when after a short familiarising period, he was taken onto SCP-13666's case.

SCP-13666 is a stone like structure seemingly warped in on itself, with writings of a by this point extinct language all over it. Most alarmingly however, it seemed to have been emitting a distress call. And shortly after falling under Foundation ownership, that warning seemed to come true.

Out of SCP-13666 a giant animatronic like creature had clambered out, and even Eclipse can admit based on the description, it's a thing of nightmares. Long, thin, appendages long and strong, hands ending in claws the size of humans, SCP-13666-1 stands at an uncomfortable 20 feet.

What the Foundation found, was nothing but a prison.

Luckily for them, the entity that is now known as SCP-13666-1 is reasonable. In exchange of getting his family out, he'll willingly undergo any sort of research that doesn't result in his death. SCP-13666-1 also offered help with other SCPs.

Because while SCP-13666-1 appears as an animatronic, he seems to give off anomalous readings and appears quite knowledgeable on magic, capable of casting all sorts of spells.

So, a containment chamber was made, with SCP-13666 being worked on in the same room as SCP-13666-1, the researchers being separated by glass walls from the SCP looking over their work. One that he could talk through, as he requested.

It wasn't often that the SCP talked though, refusing to give anything until all of his family was out. He only seemed to speak with people who interested him, but even then, that interest could be lethal.

SCP-13666-1 would perk up, and approach anyone he found interesting, engaging them if he pleased. However his attention would wander, he'd look at other people, and his interest may all together be lost.

If SCP-13666-1 never took his eyes off anyone, that meant the person would die.

SCP-13666-1 stared in quite an uncanny fashion at things he wanted dead. And the Foundation found, they can't keep him from murdering the person he sets his eyes on. Just like SCP-096, he will get out of containment, and he will kill.

All within the files, and it's not like Eclipse was particularly worried. SCP-13666-1 has already been introduced to animatronics, and didn't seem to have any sort of special interest.

However, as he walked into the containment room, and deep blood red crimson eyes turned towards him, he curses the idiots for forgetting to mention SCP-13666-1 is a celestial animatronic look alike. And as that piercing gaze freezes on him, he can't help but lock up.

It's as if a deep instinctual part of him is screaming predator predator predator right in his audial processors. His joints lock up, his systems' usual whirl of activity quieting in the presence of something greater, and he can feel his claws beginning to unsheathe.

The moment doesn't pass, until a researcher excitedly claps a hand on his shoulder, startling him out of the unwanted staring contest, chattering about how this is the first time SCP-13666-1 has reacted to anyone in years.

Much too fast, he finds himself uncomfortably close to the glass cage, so he can speak to it, as his colleague put it, in a position he shouldn't be holding because he was just brought on the project. Apparently talking with the SCP is much more important than protocol, you know, the thing keeping them alive in this place. But sure. No problem. Throw him to the wolves why don'tcha?

But what's done is done. He can't change it now, even if he wishes he never got out of bed this morning, as what suspiciously feels like an awkward silence descends between him, and the seemingly enraptured SCP, who seemed to have followed his every move since he entered.

He's expected to talk to the creature, but he's unsure where to begin. Usually interviewing SCPs is no biggie for him, but this is not an interview. This is a casual conversation he has to engage in, with a creature so starkly unusual, that casual feels like a joke he should just throw out the window.

Still, he's nothing if not stubborn and prideful, so after spacing out in his misery, one last daydream about his bed and a nice book flashing before his optics, he collects all his strength and engages in his most hated activity, socialising.

"... It must be terrible being locked in here...?" it's awkward and clunky even to his audials, and he's tempted to just start banging his head on the floor.

His obvious grimace, and aura of shame isn't helped by a snort coming from a corner of the room closer to the glass cage where security stands, and he wishes the ground would just open up, and swallow him.

However, before his contemplations of suicide via prying tool can really take off, he more feels than hears a deep rumble, coming from the cage on his right.

It's terribly deep, unfairly strong, and more unnerving than anything, but it's almost like as if... it was meant to be soothing?

He quickly shoos that thought away, dismissing it as idiocy and nothing more.

Still, it does somewhat unwind his nerves, because if nothing else, he can say he tried.

With more confidence he starts talking again.

"When signal was first picked up, supposedly there was quite a panic amongst the personnel. Wouldn't know myself, as I didn't work here then and maybe if I remember correctly, I still didn't exist. A shame really, I would've loved to see the chaos." he chuckles lightly, then continues without a pause.

"They thought they had a weird little statue on their hand, that is, until you crawled out."

... No response yet, okay, that doesn't mean anything.

"The panic must have been hilarious, I would have laughed my ass off had it been me. I guess it especially didn't help that you didn't understand English back then."

The silence stretches on, unending and all consuming.

"It must have been a treat to watch all those guards and scientists run around like headless chickens, and it must have been even more glorious to watch that looming sense of dread when you learned their language in just mere days. To think whatever escaped from the object could be that intelligent! Humans always had a knack for looking down on non-humans."

There's a derisive snort from a researcher that just passed by, but Eclipse couldn't care less.

"The little coloured indicators that seem to be on your prison's outer shell are also cute. I'm guessing the one flashing is yours. Funny, seeing as black is usually the colour associated with death—"

He freezes, the thought registering in his head bright and clear. It's not unusual for different cultures to give the same meaning to the same things. So what's saying this ancient civilisation had not attached the same meaning...

He quickly brushes it off, and hopes his horrified realisation was not as obvious as it feels.

"Still, it's interesting to think about" he's not even sure what he's saying anymore, and for some unfathomable reason, he turns towards the glass cage.

The SCP is looking at him, head tilted, expression dare he say, amused, with something soft playing within his gaze. Even if he's silent as a grave, a fitting description if what he's thinking is true, the SCP looks like he's listening, paying attention to his every word.

It's kind of flattering.

A soft shy feeling blossoms in his chest, pleasure at being acknowledged gentle as a butterfly. It's nice to be appreciated, even if it's probably only in his head.

Still, he continues talking, more at than with SCP-13666-1, but it's fine. This is nice.

He moves around the glass container, explaining what he's doing as he goes, the SCP moving right along with him. When he runs out of explaining to do, he decides to start complaining about some inane bullshit some of his colleagues get up to.

The terrifying amount of monster fuckers amongst Foundation personnel, the security guy simply called Dave who's so fucking likable no one seems to not be friends with him, Eclipse included, one Jack Bright who seems to be an important researcher and who used to have a mile long list dedicated to what he's not allowed to do, the one scientist with the tentacle fetish, people challenging each other to staring contests with SCP-173 and okay, maybe Eclipse understands why there are so many containment breaches, and then personnel challenging one another to survive other SCPs, and Eclipse swears he's going to blow a fuse if he hears someone talking about taking a peak at 'shy guy' again.

Just the usual for the work force of the SCP Foundation.

And alright, maybe he should not be gossiping with an SCP, but plenty people do that with other ones! SCP-208 was rather popular for a reason, aside from his generally friendly attitude and unique ability to go without ripping someone's face off.

So, Eclipse settled in for a nice shift of having a one-sided bitching session with an SCP. When the clock ticked away, and his work hours finished, he found himself staying.

But life hates him, so he should have known he can't have nice things.

When a new guard came in, he seemed to freeze in his tracks, eyes going wide, face paling. He looked like he's seen the devil himself, and was ready to start screaming profanities.

What came out of his mouth was worse.

"Has he looked away for even a moment?!"

Silence suddenly engulfed the room, people stopping mid-motion, as a slinking dread slithered its way into the room.

It's like cold water has been poured on him, drenching him to his very core in a sick twisted clarity. He barely registers that rumble again before multiple people are on him, dragging him away from the glass cube, towards the exit.

That seems to set SCP-13666-1 off, as he throws himself at the glass walls surrounding him, howling in hot, blistering, terrifying, alien rage. He seems to have gone wild growling, snarling, clawing at his cage as he attempts to get out. To get to Eclipse.

He's completely frozen, unsure of where he's being taken, only registering the panicked tones of the conversation around him. The sound of a blaring alarm pierces his audials, and he's terrified to note the heavy-duty tungsten doors, which are all around or more than a meter thick, have slammed down.

Tungsten seems to be the only thing capable of slowing down SCP-13666-1, but it's well-known fact he can break through it, given the time and motivation. He's decidedly ignoring the scratching noises on the last outer door, because that seems ridiculous.

The first door is a meter thick, and they all go up from there, with the last one being about double the size of the first one. There are five doors.

If SCP-13666-1 is already at the fifth door, that means he was either fast enough to avoid the others, or he tore through them. Both thoughts make him involuntarily shiver.

After that, it’s a blur of activity, of panicking guards putting him from one place to the other, hiding him, he guesses.

'Not like it's going to actually work' he thinks bitterly, putting his head in his hand.

He looks on the frantic communication in what at first glance appears to be boredom, but is actually tired resignation. He's made his peace.

He doesn't want to die, but apparently his face is just that unlikable or something. Maybe it's him being a celestial animatronic, or maybe it's his attempts at communication, where he somehow offended the SCP. God knows he's good at that.

Not like it'll change the inevitable, and as the sirens continue screaming, and his co-workers continue screeching, he's tempted to just walk out and be done with it.

Surprisingly though, the alarm stops, the flashing of red light ceasing. There's a tentative silence.

However unlikely it is, SCP-13666-1 has been contained.

For now.

***

After the whole horrifying fiasco of being hunted for sport, he gets taken to a nondescript meeting room, where his fate will be decided.

"The situation is dire." says the head researcher of the facility "SCP-13666-1 is well known to hunt down and kill targets, wherever they're placed within the facility's grounds."

The atmosphere in the room can be described as tense, if he's being lenient. All of the heads, the biggest most important people, are here, and some members of the O5 Council are also on call with them.

"Is this one even worth it?" asks a grizzled security head.

He's missing parts of his nose, and his left ear has seen better days along with his face. Although he guesses much can't be done with biological ugliness. Eclipse obviously looks him up and down, so even a blind man could see what he's doing, then sneers. The old guy glowers back.

"This scientist has proven to be quite an asset. It'd be a shame to lose him, especially now."

"Oh yeah? What's so special about this one?" a woman smiles, all teeth and venom. She's head of the special quadrants housed in the facility, supposedly only sent out to secure the worst of the worst.

She looks at him as if he's a mildly inconveniencing bug, and not a fellow personnel member whose life is currently being threatened. But what else did he expect from humans?

"Researcher Eclipse has an encyclopaedic knowledge of many of the anomalies housed within the Foundation, ones above his clearance included."

That silences the room. Shocking everyone into silence, Eclipse included.

He searches through his memories as an indignant 'What?!' rings out from the rough old guy and can't find anything that'd either deny or support what was said.

"What do you mean this tin can knows things above—"

"Dr Eclipse, as our first animatronic researcher, has been picked out to study all the anomalies contained under Foundation policies."

The person to answer is not the head scientist like previously. The person who spoke up was O5-1.

Eclipse's vents feel much too loud suddenly, the silence thick enough to be cut.

He frantically looks again, starting program after program, all coming to the same conclusion. He's essentially a guinea pig, trained to be an all-knowledgeable SCP guide.

In theory, it's a great concept, a researcher who can be asked any number of questions, and will have an answer to them. Looking back, his rabid placement changes make sense. He only stayed long enough to get the hang of each SCP, being given files on an almost weekly basis to basically memorise them. If he guesses, he'd have had more rounds on each anomaly, so as to understand them better, the Foundation slowly easing him into the role of a database.

He doesn't pay much attention after that, closing in on himself.

It's a brilliant plan really. He's not even mad about it, because it is an acknowledgement of his skills in a way.

The only question is, how much they value their supercomputer?

The meeting lasts long, argument after argument after inane conversation. He's fairly sure most of the security people would rather kill him and be done with this mess, a sentiment which gains some traction when a researcher in a moment of true genius says:

"SCP-13666-1 has not calmed since Dr Eclipse has been removed from his containment room."

Which is just the greatest!

Thank you for giving reasons to a bunch of psychopaths!

But despite the clearly wrong-footed scientist’s best attempts to get him killed, it's decided he'll live.

If only because too much effort has been put into him, and the Foundation is currently unaware of the full potential non-security animatronic employees possess. It's too great a risk, his pros only barely outweighing the cons of the current situation.

The end result is this: he'll urgently be moved to a different facility, the O5 wanting him moved as close to immediately as possible.

If things go right, by tomorrow afternoon he'll be on a transport to a different Site fuck knows where.

***

So things, of course, go wrong. Immediately. Terribly too.

Perhaps staring contests with murderous homicidal statues are a fucking bad idea.

He's always had a bone to pick with the person who decided the way to clean SCP-173's enclosure is with wide open doors and only like three additional people to play lookout, while the guards are all conveniently out of eyeshot. Whenever it's announced, he always gets tense, waiting for the moment those imbeciles will screw up. So far, he's been pleasantly disappointed.

Whoever decided right now, right after a containment breach, was the best time to clean that blasted room out, deserves a fucking award. A Darwin's one, with the way things are going.

One minute, it was fine, things were going according to plan, then everything went wrong like in cheap horror movies. The facility was already tense, what with the suddenly actively homicidal SCP pacing in his room, enthusiastically throwing himself at the thick security doors obscuring his way out, before after a suspicious lull in activity, the cameras went dark. The only thing peeps on watch duty could confirm was that SCP-13666-1 seems to still be in his enclosure.

Then another specimen of humanity's greatest felt outdone by the terrific genius of yesterday, who knew exactly what to say to get him killed, despite trying to stop that from happening supposedly, and wanted to reclaim their title of shame upon the gene pool. Eclipse will gladly give it to them, with a nice pat on the back where he'll tear out the spine himself if SCP-173 hasn't gotten to it yet.

His current situation is, frankly, terrible.

He's been separated for his protection, and not at all for everyone else’s as they wait for the giant animatronic-esque nightmare to come rip his eyes out, oh no, no. The room he was essentially locked in, was on the far side of the Site, away from sleeping quarters, in a part of the building that's unfamiliar to him. His only hope for reorientation, is following the signs which hopefully will actually lead him to the cafeteria.

As he stealthily rounds another corridor with torn open doors, the terrible realisation of multiple containment breaches correlating with, or perhaps causing one another is too strong to just shake off.

Everywhere he goes, signs of carnage greet him. Broken bodies in disarray paint one hall red, while a thick black sludge covers walls to ceiling in another.

The most reassuring sight so far was the murmuring form of SCP-049, crouched over the body of a fallen colleague. He did not bother the good doctor, the guards can deal with him. An amicable greeting saw them both on their separate, one much more merry than the other's, way.

Looking discretely into another hallway, the lights suddenly begin flickering.

'You've got to be fucking kidding me right now'

With a last dying spark of electricity, the section he's in goes dark. Good thing he has night vision.

He sighs, rubbing away at the processor ache from the sudden light shift, and swears for the nth time he'll actually do something about the sensitivity this time.

'If there's a next time' is his optimistic thought process, so he just leaves it at that with a grimace.

He's greatly aggrieved by the fact that people thought so little of his chances of survival, that they put, sorry hid, him in the fucking containment sector of the facility.

The only reason that hadn't killed him yet is because homicidal SCPs with murderous tendencies seem to be aware that humans are not here aside from the rush of guards coming in to supress them. So they all manslaughter their way that way, leaving behind delightful corpses that get underfoot, and make sneaking around that much harder.

Hearing the iconic crying of SCP-096, he decides to skip a corridor and go in the next, even if it puts him dangerously close to SCP-13666. If it's already crying, he doesn't want to be anywhere near when it starts its rampage.

It seems to have been the correct decision, as the crying is overtaken by an enraged scream the next second, and suddenly walls are being redecorated with vaguely humanoid shaped holes. Thankfully, in the opposite direction.

But, yet again, as is apparently a rule of the universe, he can't have nice things.

When he scurries by, he involuntarily looks towards the containment zone where everything went wrong, and frankly freezes in his tracks.

The heavy tungsten doors are warped outward, around a gaping hole of pure darkness that his optics can't seem to be able to penetrate. The corridor stands before him as if a shadowy maw has opened.

It's dangerously quiet. There are no visible tracks leading away. He is alone, and SCP-13666-1 is on the prowl.

He shivers.

He is going to die.

***

He doesn't quite make it to the cafeteria before shit hits the fan.

Still, he managed to get all this way, undetected by the 'old man', barely avoiding the 'dogs', and seeing no hide nor tail of SCP-13666-1. Despite everything, he acknowledges that this was done quite professionally, despite himself.

So, when he turns a corner, and the godforsaken peanut is there, right in his face too, he thinks it's an achievement he hasn't screamed yet.

He lets out a few choice words, insulting everyone and everything, then begins backing up.

SCP-173 has sadly, been observed to attempt impromptu neck surgery on animatronics, even if it does seem to get a bit confused with models who have trunks instead of necks. Not a problem for it for too long though, as tearing off heads is always reliable.

Eclipse, however, doesn't have the luxury of a thick to non-existent neck, what with having this thin little metal rod keeping up his ridiculous barely-not-a-dinnerplate-anymore head. So, SCP-173 can easily do to him its favourite thing in the entire world, breaking necks.

Dealing with SCPs during a containment breach is always delicate. If one knows you are there, it's a royal pain in the ass to shake them off, having to dedicate all your attention to it. Which makes detecting other nearby SCPs pretty impossible. It's a delicate dance of patience, stamina, smarts, and frankly frantic praying to any sort of entity you don't actually believe in.

It's especially a pain to try and manoeuvre away from SCP-173, out in the open with no doors he can lock it behind, while blindly backing away because he can't afford to look away for even a second, because it'll be upon him in milliseconds. SCP-173 is perhaps, one of the best examples of why SCPs are unfair.

It's a living statue, that can damn near teleport with how fast it is, has inhumane strength, leaves behind one of the most disgusting substances he's had the displeasure to interact with, and has the murderous tendencies of a badly trained chihuahua. And it's shaped like a peanut for some reason, which seems to annoy only him.

All in all, pretty unpleasant, 0/10, would not recommend.

Eclipse was pretty sure he was alone with the thing too.

At least he thought so, until he bumped into a cold surface, that felt suspiciously like a metal knee.

Self-preservation decided that's a bigger priority, and as he turned, he froze like a deer in blood red headlights.

There, gazing down at him, was none other than SCP-13666-1, in all his nightmarish grandeur. His casing split in an incriminatingly familiar fashion, between a stark white and a black so deep, it shone blue. Dark buttons sitting under a deep red ruffle, nightcap a bruising dark blue trailing behind him, dirtying the cute fat little sickly yellow stars, fur trimming illuminated by deep red optics, thorn pants, the same colour as the facsimile of a sleeping accessory sporting suspicious stains. Strong legs ending in silent, almost cat-like paws, shifting ever so slightly to accommodate the being slightly leaning down to reach giant clawed hands towards him and why isn't he moving, he has to run he has to—!

One moment, he's staring up at his future killer. In the next, he's dangling in the air.

He whips back towards the ground, reaching in what he knows is a futile attempt to maybe escape, but SCP-173 is already where he previously was. Even if he could wiggle his way out of the hands wrapped around him, his neck would be broken clean in half by the statue.

He's truly, hopelessly, caught.

Now he has to face the consequences.

He startles towards his captor, as he lets out a derisive snort, seeming unimpressed with the creature of concrete at his feet.

He lifts a leg, and unceremoniously tips the statue over, and as it rolls around in quite a comical fashion Eclipse can't help the slightly hysteric bark of laughter that escapes him at the sight. What does it matter now anyway?

He's firmly in the SCP's clutches, held to his chest as he is, with his arms trapped at his sides. There's no escape.

The nightmare looks down at him, and Eclipse dismisses the seemingly pleased cant to his eyes as just his sucky night vision playing tricks on him. Why would something that wants to end him take pleasure from his enjoyment?

He waits to be crushed within his grip, much like the reports have said.

And he waits more, as the SCP begins moving, arranging him into a more comfortable position. It'll surely come... right?

Maybe it planned something else for him? Perhaps he left such a bad impression it wants to brutalize him in a different manner?

Maybe the SCP would like to take him back to its previous prison to off him there.

Even if that's not the direction it's going in.

With nothing better to do, but wait for his looming demise, he contemplates how easy it is to fall back on calling an SCP who's well known to have a preferred pronoun, it. As some kind of sick twisted coping mechanism, where he strips the SCP of his personhood, in a pathetic attempt at revenge for the inevitable.

Even if he's going to be killed by this being, he doesn't want to act like the humans. He'll give the basic respect, as if he'd to any other person.

He also belatedly realises he's making amends, making peace with himself, improving in such fast pace before his death. He'd never normally contemplate how a threat to his person feels usually.

Going out as the best version of yourself and all that he guesses, as he looks at the sharp grin on his captor's face. He notes the other looks happy for the first time since he's crawled his way out the prison holding his family, eyes scrunched in happy crescents, grin seeming to widen the closer they appear to get to their destination. He supposes there might be nothing more to his death, than the SCP gaining some form of happiness for a while.

He's never truly made anyone happy before.

And isn't that just fucked up? That the only person he can cheer up is only so positive because he gets to take Eclipse out? Because Eclipse is so screwed up that children would sooner cry than calm in his presence? Because his pride seemed to matter to him more than any relationship he could have had with his fellows?

SCP-13666-1 leans down as they enter the... cafeteria... Really?

He's shaken out of his sarcastic little pity party before it can fully begin, as the SCP sits down cross-legged on the floor.

He deposits Eclipse into his lap, which befuddles him so bad he swears he blue-screened for a moment there. When he comes back to himself, the SCP is hugging him to his chest, softly nuzzling at his uppermost rays.

The attention is as terrifying as it is annoying, as his rays twitch from ticklish feedback that he swears is a glitch of some kind. He instinctively leans away from the touch, but he's pressed back into the large chest behind him when he gets too far away, seemingly affectionate nuzzles never stopping. A deep purr like rumble starts from his captor's chest, startling him with its intensity, as it shakes components inside him, untensing something vital, that should remain tense, in case he gets the chance to bolt, but without meaning to, he relaxes.

That seems to be the SCP's intent, as he lets out a satisfied sigh, finally stopping the physical attention. He leans back, searching Eclipse for what, he doesn't know, but seems satisfied with whatever he finds.

The SCP appears to clear his throat, and despite the involuntary shiver at the deep monstrous voice, he can't help the little bit of pride, because he is getting ready to talk, so success, even if it's the last he'll ever have.

"I am Killcode."

I- What?

His voice is unsettling, but what freaks him out the most is the apparent name drop, because, despite the best attempts of the Foundation, the SCP never told his name to anyone.

"And your name, my child?"

His what?

Just when he thought he couldn't be more shocked, the SCP, Killcode, proves him wrong. He blinks up at the SCP, for the first time in his life being thankful for this stupid feature, and does his best impression of a fish without actually opening his mouth.

The other seems to notice it, and seemingly takes pity on him, by repeating the question.

"What is your name?"

No weird words this time, thank fuck.

"I- Wha- E-Eclipse?" it sounds like he's asking rather than saying, so after some mental screaming, he says more confidently "Eclipse, my name is Eclipse."

What's happening right now?

The amused chuckle he gets would make him blush if he could, embarrassed beyond measure. This Killcode fellow is entirely unhelpful in preserving what little pride he has left.

A couple seconds pass in silence, where he's wondering if perhaps he's suffered some form of processor damage.

"So, Eclipse, how are you feeling?"

"What does it matter? You'll kill me anyway."

His gruff dismissal seems to startle the SCP, his optics widening, smile turning upside-down, right into a worried frown.

"What kind of parent would want to kill their child?"

What

"What"

He leans back, as far as he can with the hands holding him, and stares up at the SCP in utter befuddlement.

They stare at each other in shock for a while, neither knowing what to make of the apparent misunderstanding.

"You are my child—"

"Since when?"

"Since I saw you yesterday."

Surprise adoption was not really in the warnings the Foundation provided him with.

"Why would you...?" he doesn't finish the question, but from Killcode's face, he knows the other understands.

"When you walked into that room, I was shocked. You're so painfully young, and you remind me so much of my brother. But it's not that. I can't properly explain. It's as if someone has stolen a piece of my code, and that code is you."

A hand leaves his back to poke him in the chest, and he grabs that finger before it could fully make contact. His hands wrap around it as if he were a child.

Killcode seems mesmerised by the simple touch, leaning towards Eclipse as if in a trance.

Suddenly straightening, he lunges forward to frantically rub himself all over the smaller animatronic, eliciting a grunt and half-hearted attempts to push him away.

Killcode seems desperate for the touch, and Eclipse can't help but remember this is the person who offered himself up on a silver platter, all in exchange of his family.

Even if he's just a temporary replacement, he can't quite bring himself to push the other away.

With a grumble, he makes himself comfortable, fully cuddling up to the larger animatronic. He's warm, and Eclipse likes warm things.

They stay like that together, with Eclipse patiently withstanding snuggles, and what doesn't he do for this stupid foundation he swears, for what feels like hours.

Eventually, the lights come back on.

Eventually he can hear the sound of people in the distance, some even calling out his name.

But he's gotten too comfortable in his self-proclaimed father's hold, so he doesn't bother moving, even when the footsteps grow close, even when gasps can be heard as someone finally stumbles upon him in the SCP's hold.

When the person approaches, Killcode lets out a warning growl, that makes Eclipse swat at him. He was almost asleep.

That gets him a chuckle and a choked noise respectively, and he can't help but snicker against the warm chestplate he's using as a heated pillow.

He's where he wants to be for now, slowly floating away into dreamland, where he doesn't have to think about monsters wanting to kill him, anomalous animatronics supposedly picking him out as a murder victim, and a Foundation that breathes down his neck with a vengeance for every little mistake.

For now, he'll enjoy the rare opportunity to be held.

He'll worry about tomorrow later.

But now, as the large SCP leans over him, as if to hide him from view, he relaxes.

For now, he'll sleep.

Chapter Text

Falling asleep on the SCP that supposedly wanted to kill you is a bad idea.

All of his higher-ups made sure, he was aware of how very very stupid he was, for doing such a thing. Some with more heat than others.

The facility's head scientist looked like their soul vacated their body, and Eclipse's fairly sure the only reason the human didn't burst out crying in relief is because they instead burst out crying from frustration.

But they were very happy their pet project wasn't torn to pieces, so that at least counts.

On the upside of things, he's never slept as great as he did in the SCP's hold, even if waking up to an angrily snarling SCP, who's hanging from the ceiling with Eclipse pressed close to his chest, was weird. Apparently, the fear of death is exhausting, especially when it causes you to pace all night long, in your impromptu room. He desperately needed a power nap, and he's not going to complain about where he gets it.

His fellow Foundation personnel seemed to disagree, as the containment crew threw quite a few choice words at the SCP, who's been evading their capture and attempts to free their runaway scientist.

From what he knows now, after he fell asleep, the person who initially found them started screaming bloody murder, about how SCP-13666-1 has researcher Eclipse, and can someone please get him away from that thing?! This, of course, did not go down well with the already agitated SCP, who after his warning growls were ignored, decided evasion tactics are the way to go. Considering how Eclipse fell asleep in the cafeteria, then later woke up in the garage, he can imagine it was quite the chase.

When he woke up, he knew he had to be the bigger person, and wiggled his way out of the distracted SCP's hold. Killcode, of course didn't like that either, and before Eclipse could greet his colleagues, with a whine his companion snatched him back up.

That of course startled security, so they in their utter brilliance, decided to start shooting. That, in turn inspired the SCP to get violent, and set the offenders on fire.

That wasn't fun, and Eclipse thinks the smell and sounds will forever be ingrained in his memory, even if no one actually died by the might of a functional sprinkler system. He's going to find the person who invented the damn thing, and will kiss them passionately under the moonlight before marrying them. The utterly beautifully smart person who decided to install it in this Site's building, will only get an extremely fun night, after receiving the same sloppy make out session under a full moon. He's almost sure the guy who invented it would be interested too, seeing as the man didn't get the chance to see an animatronic.

The crisis was only solved when Dave, bless his soul, started screaming at people to stop shooting because Dr Eclipse is there, which seemed to make people realise that oh yeah, he didn't just spontaneously disintegrate because the SCP picked him up.

Dave then took the situation into his own hands, shooing away the raw to well-done people, so they wouldn't be underfoot, and wouldn't provoke the clearly volatile SCP-13666-1 further. Then true to his terrifying nature, he stroke up conversation with Eclipse's captor, one-sidedly chattering away about God knows what, but the next thing Eclipse knew, he was, or at least Killcode was, back on solid ground.

Killcode seemed unsure about this weird guard, and was still unwilling to let his surprise adopted son-who's-an-adult-thanks be confiscated. But eventually, by the power of Dave, someone managed to sneak up behind them, knocking the SCP out.

Eclipse's frantic no no no!'s were ignored, as the SCP fell on top of him.

And that leads to this meeting, with the head scientist crying, the best the Foundation has to offer being given another chance to kill him, old grizzled guy glaring daggers at him, most of security eyeing him as if they wanted to kill him, archivist head blankly staring into the middle distance, and most of the fucking O5 Council being on call with them, alongside some of the more important researchers from other facilities, like Jack Bright who's helpfully laughing his ass off.

"So"

There goes that word again.

"The researcher was found in the arms of SCP-13666-1"

An actual sob escapes the head researcher, and Eclipse eyes the human, fearing they are actually going to throw themselves at him.

"After it has stared at him for his entire shift and overtime" O5-1 sounds annoyed, because this is the seventh time in the last ten minutes they've circled back to this point.

"The tin can should be dead!" shouts the rough security head, and the groans from some of the on-call people really sound relatable right now.

"Yes, General Smith, we are aware" sighs -1.

"Why hasn't that freak tore clean through him yet?!"

Thanks dude. Eclipse appreciates your existence too.

"We are unaware, however ever since Dr Eclipse has been removed from his person, SCP-13666-1 has been howling ceaselessly."

"Then shoot it!"

"We've went over this already, SCP-13666-1 seems to be immune to bullets" drones the head scientist, who seems to have finally succeeded in recomposing themselves.

Eclipse gives a lone suffering sigh, being fully aware he doesn't have the permission to talk, and attempts his best to tap out Bohemian Rhapsody on the table again. He doesn't know why he has to sit here, if he can't even talk, but he guesses they do need props for these sorts of things.

"Why can't we just nuke the thing—!"

"No nukes within Foundation grounds allowed" drones O5-3, looking expressively put out despite the shadows shrouding their form.

Great, nuke talk again. If he has to sit through another nuke talk on this day, he's going to make their lives easier by killing the utter imbecile who still keeps bringing it up despite continuously being shot down by a member of the fucking O5. Does this man have negative IQ?! Is there some form of birth defect that only affects a part of the brain?! Or does this man simply have word processing issues?!

-3, sadly as is the job of the O5 Council, continues the lecture, causing groans from every normal person, who understood the words no nukes next to each other perfectly.

The urge to cry is strong, which is very very bad, seeing as he can't cry.

His gaze wanders over the room, for the umpteenth time, and by the grace of some divine entity, he ends up looking towards the call screen area.

He makes eye contact with Jack Bright, currently in the form of a striking blue eyed ginger haired man, whose eyes shine with amusement, and something that looks dangerously like mirth.

The man studies him, and Eclipse can already tell why this man fills such a high position, despite everything. His eyes gleam with a keen intelligence, that is hard to come by, a sharpness behind a goofy facade that's waiting to cut. He's being studied, he belatedly realises, but whatever the man finds, he seems to be satisfied with it, as his expression softens into something friendly.

His eyes look around the room, before returning to him, giving him a wry smile, that Eclipse can't help but respond to with the universal shoot me gesture. The man cackles silently, before moving his hands in a motion reminiscent of a noose tightening. Eclipse only responds with a solemn nod, grabbing his tie and pulling it dramatically away from his neck, seemingly choking himself. Bright grins at him.

"I like you" is the man's honest, and not at all subtle response, and Eclipse glowers at him as those three little words seem to have cut through whatever droning conversation was happening around them.

The security people on their end seem to simultaneously bristle, everyone else cringing, but Eclipse notes that the O5 Council members currently present seem to have perked up. As if whatever verdict one Jack Bright seems to have of the lone animatronic researcher is crucial.

He guesses, it somewhat is, seeing as the man is essentially immortal. His optics travel down to the cursed pendant hanging around the man's throat, and he can't help but begin to wonder about that noose.

"So, Dr Eclipse, eh?" wow, his face looks so punchable "Graduated with multiple doctorates after being a daycare attendant since creation. "

"Wow, you can read" slips out before he can stop it, but it seems to only send the man howling with laughter.

"A robot with an attitude, and a penchant for casual cruelty towards D-Class, and general disregard towards his colleagues." he tilts his head, as if that'd give him a new perspective "Foundation guinea pig as a portable database." someone coughs "Some of your fellow newbies were really glad when the news hit that SCP-13666-1 seems to have been triggered by your presence" Eclipse hears what dangerously sounds like a sniff from the Site's head scientist "Citing your cold, uncaring behaviour as a reason."

The man's eyes pierce through him, but Eclipse is no quitter, he glares right back at him.

"So" that blasted word again "What's up Clipse?"

What

He barely stops himself from blinking, manually locking his expression into that of his initial design, and blankly stares at Bright with his unnerving grin. Amusingly enough, it does seem to work.

"SCP-13666-1, or Killcode, as he introduced himself" suspicious sniffing turns into choking "decided that surprise adoption is a completely normal thing to just drop on someone" more people begin to choke "and I have not been warned about anomalous beings wanting to become my dad at my initial briefing, so I'd like a raise."

It's audacious, he knows, and if the incredulous faces of a couple Council members are anything to go by, they didn't expect it. It gives him untold amounts of satisfaction.

There's a beat of silence, before Jack Bright, true to his reputation as mad man, starts laughing so hard, he's actually crying. He looks as if Christmas has come early, as if this is the best thing he's ever heard. He's slamming the desk, which annoyingly gets picked up by his microphone, wheezing in between unstoppable laughter. Eclipse is unaware of what's so funny about what he said, or whether it's the situation that amuses the guy, but he does start kind of worrying when the man starts turning an unattractive shade of red that reminds Eclipse of his own casing.

Some of the offline people look at each other questioningly, he guesses the newer ones who hadn't had the pleasure to meet this clown yet, but the older ones just look tiredly resigned. Eclipse himself, is just mildly disgusted.

"Oh I knew you were fuuun!~" Bright sings, and Eclipse can't help but mime shooting himself again. Sadly, that only seems to endear him to the man.

"What do you mean by dad?! "

"Killcode?!"

Asks Dr Gears and the head Scientist simultaneously. They turn towards one another, but otherwise don't seem offended, more speechless, if anything.

Eclipse sighs again, fully preparing himself to face whatever can of worms he's just opened. He leans his head on a hand, the other one tapping away at the desk again. He calculates the most optimal way to tell people, then throws the results out, fully intending to make it as unenjoyable to everyone else as it has been to him. He unlocks his expression again, if only to widen his grin, and some seem to sense this only means trouble. He subtly leans forward, rays spinning in a happy little dance at having the chance to engage in one of his favourite passtimes, annoying people.

He's fully aware of the involuntary twitch of rage from people as he starts with:

"So"

And only grins wider.

***

Surprisingly enough, he did get that raise.

Even if it meant that for the time being, he'll be the head of operations regarding SCP-13666.

This is good news, for approximately only one person in the whole facility, who doesn't even count as one most of the time anyways, so Eclipse will just say this isn't good for anyone.

He's immediately saddled with a level 5 clearance, a shiny new nametag symbolising his new position, and bi-daily homework.

Because he'll be placed on a project for the foreseeable future, the Foundation can't send him to new locations like they initially wanted to. This means he'll be unable to get hands on experience with SCPs, so his secondary job as database, which he wasn't informed of by the way, will have to be purely theoretical for the time being. Sorry people, no throwing more humans at homicidal beings in slightly different ways than before.

Job starts immediate, as always, no break even though he did fully believe he was going to be mauled yesterday, and as he looks up at his ceiling, having just glared at the clock, he finds himself unable to sleep.

It's not because he isn't tired, he's exhausted, but he guesses his insomnia is kicking in again, along with general worry.

He always had troubles sleeping, mind having a hard time quieting. He's always running program after calculation after program, always thinking of one thing or another, and having knowledge that the world is a hair's width away from ending on a daily basis, and its only hope of survival is a shady organisation, surprisingly, didn't help.

What was an already light sleep schedule turned into a downright unmanageable one, as the crippling anxiety of failure being unallowed and a system that is unsustainable in the long run hanging over him kept him from rest each, and every night. The situation was especially bad back in the day when he used to have an apartment, until the Foundation stepped in with a well-timed intervention.

Living on Site grounds isn't as bad as some of the people make it out to be. For all stupidity caused incidents and breaches, the SCP Foundation's Site grounds are probably still the safest places on earth. For a paranoid fucker like him, it's salvation.

He looks at the clock again, and buries his head in his pillow with a miserable groan, at the cheerful display reading 2:13 AM. Ungodly hour, and he's supposed to wake up at 7. He's wasting precious rest by being an unlikable worrywart.

There's a strange scratching noise, then barely there thudding. He's about to dismiss it as just his imagination, before the creeping feeling of being watched settles over his person. He's currently in an undignified face down position, so if this is security's attempt at a prank again he's going to have blood on his hands.

He pushes himself up on his elbows, getting ready to snap at the idiot in his room when-

Glowing red optics greet him, and he can't help but scream.

That seems to startle the SCP in the room with him, letting out desperate shushing noises as he unceremoniously picks Eclipse up and cradles him like one would an infant.

"Shhh my son, it is alright. It is just me. There's no need to worry. Shhh don't cry... That's it shhhh" he slightly rocks Eclipse, who doesn't know if he should feel offended at being treated like a baby, or if he should count his lucky stars because jesus fucking christ what the fuck man?!

He settles for undignified attempts to push himself away from the giant metal nightmare currently in his room and how is he here?!

He manages to untangle himself from the SCP's arms, falling back down on his bed.

For a moment, he just lays there, wondering why the alarm signalling a containment breach hasn't sounded yet, but his night is made infinitely worse as the audial piercing sound starts up with the timing of some sick cosmic joke.

He groans again, rubbing at his optics.

Killcode, for his part, at least looks sheepish, letting out a nervous chuckle as he folds his hands this way and that. Eclipse feels mad he can't even properly blame the big guy, because yeah, being in a glass cage all day watching the same blank white walls or the prison of your family who are still in there, is a shitty situation that anyone would want to escape from. Why this is the first time the SCP did so, is beyond him.

Unless he wants to play at the facsimile of family, trying to temporarily dab at the wounds with an inferior replacement that probably can't even hope to somewhat be close to the real thing. Loneliness and wanting companionship and all that.

He grumbles as he pushes himself up from bed, dodges the SCP's attempt to grab at him, opens his door and hollers into the night:

"Shut the fuck up, he's with me!" then slams his door.

He takes a couple deep vents, bangs his head against his door when the urge becomes too strong, ignores the concerned whine somewhere much too close to himself, then turns around.

There, only a human sized step away from Eclipse, is none other than Killcode. He's squeezing his hands in a gesture oddly insecure on a being such as him, and is looking at Eclipse in a shy bashfulness that should not come from the guy who just broke into his room. It is somewhat endearing, but not enough to excuse the frantic banging on his door that started right this moment.

The situation would be ridiculous, if it wasn't 2 in the morning.

"What are you doing here?" if he sounds aggravated, he has the excuse of his self-proclaimed father just dropping by to check on him.

Which apparently, said self-proclaimed father, doesn't seem to notice as weird.

"I wanted to spend time with you by checking in on how you are!" he sounds and looks so happy too as he says it. Damn.

"It's 2 in the morning"

"Yes"

"It's 2 in the morning"

"I- Yes, you just said that?"

He truly doesn't realise this is weird.

"We don't do that! "

"No one ever checked in on you?"

That's not what he was saying.

The SCP looks horrified now, before it gets overtaken by a murderous expression. It chills Eclipse down to his struts, and he can't do anything but obey as Killcode gently urges him out of the way, before opening the door to snarl "Leave" at the unfortunate personnel in the halls, then slams it himself.

With a job well done, he turns back to the nervous Eclipse, before leaning down to pick him up.

It's a hold he has become incriminatingly familiar with, but there's no crash of sheer relief and terror right now, so it's not as easy to relax as it was yesterday.

The only thing that seems to be going Eclipse's way, is whoever those people on the other side of the door were, they are gone.

Killcode cradles Eclipse to his chest, as if he were made of porcelain, that deep rumble that's definitely meant to be soothing sounding from his chest. Claws find his underside, splaying over under his legs and back, while the other hand covers the backside of his head. It's an honestly comfortable hold, and he'd have relaxed had Killcode not flinched, then started squeezing with the hand at his thighs.

"You are very soft."

He guesses it must be his silicone casing, that's the problem, and wonders why the SCP only seems to notice it now.

"Yeah, my casing's made of silicone. Much softer than metal and all."

Killcode tilts his head, and Eclipse is not sure he likes the emotion that's brewing behind the other's optics.

The hands holding him become gentler, and before he can realise what's happening, he's on his bed, with his blanket being wrapped around him, burritoing him in. Killcode whines for some reason, when he sees there's only one blanket, then disappears before Eclipse can say anything, his door opening then closing. He's alone. And he can't move. Great.

He tries moving his arms, but nothing. The blanket around him doesn't give.

He tries moving his legs, still nothing.

He tries moving his entire lower half, before giving up.

He won't get out of this with his pride intact.

He lets out a sigh, gathers all his apathy, fails spectacularly, then begins trashing with his whole body, wiggling like a dog. He's giving it his all, bucking his hips and throwing himself around to the best of his ability. The only thing he achieves is rolling off the bed.

"No no!" aaand thud.

He lies on the ground, face down, and wishes it would just swallow him. The blanket, of course, has not loosened its hold on him even the tiniest bit.

It's honestly humiliating, and if he could, he'd attempt bashing his head against the metal bedframe. Sadly, he can't reach it, and he can't move enough to worm his way over there. He's honest to god stuck, defeated by a singular blanket. What's next? His pillow attempts to off him?

Apparently, that'd be too kind a fate he thinks, as the door opens.

There's the telling silence of someone walking in on something unexpected, before the door gets slammed, cutting off the suspiciously corrupt sounding alarm, something gets carelessly thrown at his bed, which is his thank you very much, and large clawed hands frantically grab him.

He gets turned around, with an anxious Killcode looming over him, observing for damage. Deep red optics observe him, then the SCP lets out a relieved sigh, before tutting reproachfully.

"Why are you off the bed child? It is much more comfortable there. You could have gotten hurt."

Eclipse decidedly doesn't say anything, only sending a withering glare towards the SCP. He's not a child thank you, and he's never needed anyone coddling him. He's fine.

"It is important that you don't move around too wildly, seeing as this bed is inadequate" he's been sleeping on it for years just fine "and while I understand it must have been uncomfortable" it really wasn't "you could catch a cold from the ground. Your systems have been put under stress for much too long, you can be susceptible to cold." who's fault is the stress?

Eclipse gets placed back down right in the middle of the bed, and he's still in this godforsaken blanket. He's going to blow a fuse if this keeps up.

At least now he can see what was so important for the SCP to rush out and leave him like this. Apparently, even more blankets. And pillows.

One pillow gets gently pushed under his head, that being a fight on its own because Eclipse is done, then the rest gets piled around him, as if to further deprive him of the minimal amounts of movement he's capable of. Then come the blankets, and this is when he realises Killcode is building a nest, with Eclipse being in the centre of it.

What in the genuine fuck is going on? Just what is his life?

He'd be kicking out to show his displeasure, if he could, but settles for glowering at his 'father' instead. Who very rudely only laughs at him, as if he were a tiny kitten trying to intimidate the full-grown lion. In a sense, it is an appropriate description.

After minutes, Killcode finally looks satisfied with his work. Eclipse, still in the accursed blanket, is laid across a ridiculous amount of blankets and pillows, with some additionally layered on top of him. To his sides, are walls of blankets, stopping him from rolling around anymore. It's embarrassing how easy this was for the SCP.

"Is it adequate?"

"It's fine. Not like it wasn't fine previously."

That seems to annoy Killcode.

"That bed " he spits it like a curse word "was terrible. It was much too hard, especially for your back. Your skyhook" how does he know about—? "would need a softer surface to—"

"I don't have my skyhook anymore!" it's probably unwise cutting an SCP off, but it needed to be done before further misunderstandings.

His skyhook was one of the first things modified on his body, by his own will. Its removal was the happiest he's ever been about laying under human technicians, and it was entirely worth it.

What wasn't worth it, is the sudden ringing silence, and the horrified expression Killcode was making.

He murmurs something much too quiet for Eclipse to pick up.

"What was that?"

He looks strangely blank, fists furling and unfurling, and he starts pacing, as if he can't stay still.

"Did humans do that?" the question is still barely a whisper, but it shakes Eclipse with fear.

The word human sounds rotten from Killcode's mouth, and Eclipse is reminded, that SCP-13666 was probably built by humans.

"Well, yes—" he tentatively begins before getting cut off by an enraged roar.

He flinches, curling in on himself as much as he can. Something instinctual and tiny in him is trashing around, howling about predator, about running. It raises several conflicting files and programs, all fighting for dominance, all trying to figure out however the hell he's supposed to survive.

The loop of negative feedback he's in gets worse when Killcode lunges at the bed, at Eclipse something in him screams, but before he can fully realise what's happening, he's on his side with Killcode curled around him protectively. He can't quite cut his voicebox before a tiny whine leaves him, immediately answered by the SCP's own baritones.

With his back pressed to that overwhelmingly large chest, he can feel the rumble traveling through his struts. It shouldn't work as well as it does, but in a couple of seconds, he's putty in the SCP's claws.

His own engines respond with their own purr, without his input mind you, but that only seems to get him nuzzles. He's never gotten this many nuzzles in his entire life, but he's getting sick of them.

The SCP at his back continues rumbling away, deep and soothing, head bowed against Eclipse's back as he maps out where his skyhook used to be. He doesn't know what's going on in the nightmare's head, but as a hand, trembling he realises, presses oh so gently to the now filled in spot, he knows he may have caused a misunderstanding after all.

He'll deal with that in the morning he thinks as his optics power off on their own account.

***

The next morning, he thinks hysterically, is the worst experience he's ever had in his life.

Apparently Killcode disabled his alarm, before it could wake him, by hurling the clock at the far wall, pulverising the poor thing. So, he slept in.

But that wasn't the problem.

The problem was, when he woke up, Killcode was hissing and growling at the door he was holding shut jesus christ, telling the by this point very worried Foundation personnel to leave before he kills them.

Eclipse could barely watch the tug-o-war that ensued, seeing as he was still on his side with no hope of moving anytime soon in the future.

He could only struggle, hoping the night's charging has loosened the constrictive fiend, but life hates him.

He was still hopelessly stuck, only able to see how this shitshow ended.

Eventually, by some miracle that was just maybe a controlled shock through the door, which completely fried his lock thanks, they managed to knock Killcode away from the door. This wasn't the win his co-workers were clearly hoping for however, as the SCP stood tall, leaving all of them in his shadows. And it was a very angry shadow.

A clawed swipe at the entrance, quick as lightning, worked the charm in clearing the door from pesky Foundation guards.

But apparently someone called in the Nine-Tailed Fox, so chaos quickly erupted, right in his room.

With a MTF team called in, even Killcode didn't have the chance but to be pushed inwards, backing up. The moment he touched the edge of the bed however he froze. He turned back, and made optic contact with Eclipse, conflicting emotions clearly on his face. His optics moved all over him, and before the Foxes could press on their advantage, magic erupted from the SCP, who shrieked in rage.

His arms seemed to have caught fire, hunching over like a cornered animal, fingers taunt with murderous intent as his eyes glowed brilliantly that even Eclipse at his back could see their light. The message was clear. You won't get through me.

It is a well-known fact that when SCP-13666-1 feels threatened, he'll emit an earth-shaking growl, magic threateningly materialising in the creature's malice.

This wasn't that. Not exactly.

While under the Foundation's care, Killcode had multiple incidents of being cornered and neutralised. He was known to only injure personnel, so long as they weren't his targets, but never kill. His magic, while great and overwhelming, has never been observed to actually solidify into something.

Now, standing in front of Eclipse in what he realised much too late to be a protective stance, his magic is glowing like fire right at his fingertips, a wall shimmering between himself and the MTF trying in vain to subdue him.

No weapon has been able to harm SCP-13666-1.

If he doesn't do something now, these people are going to be burnt to smithereens. That'd erase a couple crucial members of an important Mobile Task Force, dropping the efficiency of the Nine-Tailed Fox operatives until replacements could be found and trained. Nine-Tailed Fox deals with recontaining anomalies already under Foundation protocols. If these people die here, then even more people will die at other Sites, unable to fully contain a wide-scale breach. If Killcode kills these humans, he may never get his family back.

So, throwing the rest of his pride away, he starts whimpering, squirming around in discomfort.

This works much too well, because he catches both the operatives' attention, and Killcode's.

The speed with which the SCP turns towards him is terrifying and would break the endoskeleton of a lesser being. Killcode, for his part, just looks panicked, seemingly trying to find what the problem is. He leans down to coo at Eclipse, nuzzling his face against him, stopping to take a shaky breath, before straightening once again. He doesn't fully turn his back on him however, which is what he was hoping for.

He starts trashing again, letting out a sad whine, clearly demanding to be freed, doing his best to look pathetic. His self-proclaimed father looks pained, and most importantly reluctant to relent.

So, Eclipse pulls up his opticlids to their max setting, before canting them at a sad angle. He's seen enough puppy-dog eyes from kids wanting candy before naptime to hopefully, at least partially reconstruct the look.

It seems to work, as the SCP looks at him with a heartbreakingly soft expression.

"It's alright my child—" he whispers before being cut off by a grunt of pain.

Electricity courses through the SCPs body, Eclipse looking in on horrified silence, because that was not his plan, making optic-contact with Killcode again, before he falls unconscious.

He, of course, falls on top of Eclipse, again.

***

Getting Killcode off of him and out of his room seems to be the latest gossip.

Wherever he goes, giggling follows him. And the cafeteria is especially terrible.

He's holding onto his coffee mug, stirring the ungodly amounts of sugar into it with the desperation of a man who has nothing else to lose. He feels like he's aged sixty plus years, and even shaking the funny little pudding on his plate doesn't help lift his mood.

He's dared venture into the cafeteria after this morning's incident, because his supervisors took one look at him, and told him he could have the rest of the day off. So, in hopes of forgetting his humiliation, he wanted to indulge his sweet tooth a bit.

When he walked up to the kindly lunch-uncle and auntie, they took one look at him, and immediately piled his tray with every dessert item on today's menu. That was kind of them, but he could see their pitying looks as he walked away with enough sweets to cause cavities.

He's leaving the sweet tea for last, hoping the coffee will help drown out his current anxieties with different anxieties, before the tea calms those nerves too.

It's a plan that in theory could work, but life hates him.

"So itty-bitty Clipsy has to cry for daddy to fix his bwankie" came the mocking voice for the umpteenth time in the last ten minutes.

If Dave was anomalously likeable, his cousin Jerry, truly an unfortunate name, was his exact opposite. No one could stand him, not even the worst gossips in the building, and even Eclipse's most avid haters were shooting him sympathetic looks for taking this one. Whenever this guy entered a room, you could feel his slimy presence tainting and polluting the air.

Normally Eclipse didn't go into human matters too deep, wanting everyone to have a choice about things has always been his stance when asked, but he thinks he'd win every argument about abortion if he just introduced this guy. It's like he's been literally made to be able to argue for it, and Eclipse thinks it's a win. At least he has some use.

Unlike his cousin, Jerry unfortunately is of the science wing, and in a sick coincidence, working on SCP-13666's case.

'No wonder they haven't made any progress yet' he thinks, as he takes a swing from his drink like it's a shot.

"Is the liwtle baby scared of answering the big man?" unfortunately Jerry, was also racist. Speciesist?

"I’m just trying to figure out why no one did a surprise after-birth abortion yet." someone snorts, before there's a hurried coughing.

Seems like he's once again backed by fate.

Jerry turns towards the noise, and Eclipse grabs his tray.

When the man turns back, he's already gone, coattails flapping dramatically in his wake.

***

He spends his off day trying to fix the wiring to his lock. Whatever they shot Killcode with, it really did a number on the door.

It's brainless work, and he zones out more times than not, but it takes really fucking long, because technically, he doesn't actually have permission to fix Foundation property. So by all accounts, he should not know how to fix his own door.

But you can only watch doors be fixed so many times before you could do it too in your sleep.

The hardest part is getting through the ridiculous amounts of security features, meant to keep intruders out, but he's not an intruder and he's not going to wait for days to have some privacy dammit!

When he's done, he flops down on the bed, back to only one blanket and one pillow. He kind of misses the comfort.

He ignores it like he ignores many things.

***

Next morning treats him kinder only by a margin.

He's still the laughingstock of the Site and he still has to wake up at 7:00. Just great.

On the barely positive side of things, there's lava cake.

He stabs at the poor chocolate goodness, like it killed his cat, then angrily stuffs it into his mouth.

He doesn't want today to happen. He wants to go back to bed, maybe cry himself to sleep if the crushing apathy and meaninglessness of his life didn't make him incapable of that, and read this delightful book called Mockingjay.

The exhaustion is crushing today, and he's not sure he can take being laughed at on top of people looking at him scornfully for "stealing" another position. He did not ask to be adopted.

And that's another thing he's avoiding. He's never had anyone since he can remember, then suddenly this force of nature is deciding Eclipse is the one to try and fill that aching void left behind by the man's real family. He's frankly overwhelmed, terrified of when he'll inevitably fuck up and anger the SCP, annoyed, and disgusted by the fluffy feelings someone holding him like he actually matters causes.

He hates being touched usually, and the fact the SCP can so easily slip through the cracks in his armour is discouraging, and fills him with this terrible discomfort until he is overflowing with it, poisoning everyone around him as it slips through his clenched teeth. For as long as he could remember, aside from a couple of kids, everyone regarded him with disgust. Touch has always made him uncomfortable, he never learned that it doesn't have to be an attack.

So what's so different about a homicidal nightmare monster?

Apparently, a lot of things, thinks his body, betraying him as it has the two times the SCP held him.

But no matter how much he fantasises about the Foundation personnel simultaneously forgetting his existence, he's unfortunately unforgettable as he's finding lately.

So, much too soon, he finds himself in front of those heavy-duty tungsten doors, which are still blown outward. Many of the newer tech people are trying to figure out how something could plow through a 2 meters thick door so easily, and he guesses they never had the fortune to meet the resident of this containment room.

He sighs, dismissing the desire to say fuck it, and makes the final stretch of the journey into jail territory. Heads swivel to look at him as he passes, and he glowers at particularly brave fools ogling him much too obviously.

A scientist, who's been apparently hiding behind the now mostly intact third door, falls in step with him. He shoots them a questioning look, and they just pass him a file.

Ah, it appears as if he has assistants.

He nods to them in thanks, then scans the papers in front of him.

Some basic stuff he already knew, new stuff he didn't know, questions that need answering, and the miserable notes of the previous lead scientist, saying that it might be impossible to open SCP-13666 from the outside. That last part gives him a pause.

Killcode is willingly in Foundation custody, in the futile hope, that they'll get his family back to him. He's so desperate for their freedom, he offered himself on a silver platter to a bunch of maniacs. Now, he's always been aware of the Foundation's... less than savoury tendencies, he's heard word of the Montauk-procedure, but that's hopefully just hearsay, but using someone's grief against them... is a bit much for Eclipse.

The file states that, while there are an unknown number of prisoners, amongst them are Killcode's brothers, and children.

A shudder goes through him.

Killcode, upon first sight of Eclipse, decided he was his child.

Is this empty nest syndrome?

He focuses back on the previous lead researcher's personal notes, and can't help the honest to god growl that leaves him right as he enters the main containment room.

He can immediately feel eyes on him, one pair causing an ominous shudder to go through him. He ignores the stares as he curses under his breath, throwing any and all insults he knows at the previous lead, who in a fit of desperation to get the SCP talking, lied that they were so close to getting his family out. It, of course didn't do anything, but make the SCP look relieved for a moment. That was about a week ago.

In the notes, he can find that the previous lead introduced him to Killcode, by saying that he was the final scientist needed to make the magic happen. He's going to hunt this guy for sport.

In his anger, he doesn't notice he's made it to his worst enemy for the unforeseeable future, until he bumps into SCP-13666. Two things happen at once.

He lets out an "Ouch" while some people chuckle at his expanse and yeah yeah, laugh at him more please.

And the other thing that happens is Killcode's panicked shout, with the clear clank of metal on glass impact.

This only causes for Eclipse to flinch back, and bump into the thing again, which causes Killcode to panic more, and Eclipse kind of gets why when SCP-13666 begins ominously glowing. He immediately scuttles away, pressing himself to the closest surface that's not that thing, which coincidentally ends up being the glass cube, while shouting orders for everyone to get back.

People scatter in all directions, most sticking to walls, a few to the glass, and Eclipse starts wondering if on his first day he's already caused a catastrophe, but then nothing happens.

For a tense couple seconds nobody breathes as they wait for the inevitable, but there's still no sign of danger. SCP-13666 sits there, silent and unmoving as always.

It's just... glowing now.

Tragedy avoided.

For now

He scans the room, noting the pale faces of the people he's from now on responsible for, and heaves a sigh. Nobody died thank fuck.

First day, and he barely managed to avoid going down as the first lead scientist who caused an end-of-the-world case scenario in the first five minutes of their shift.

Wonderful

He can hear deep vents from behind him, and when he looks, he sees Killcode hunched over panting, with a haunted expression on his face. He looks like he's aged a couple decades himself, and when he looks at Eclipse, the hand currently not pressed to his chest begins twitching, as if he wants to grab Eclipse, and never let go. He looks like how some of the parents at the daycare did when he told them what their little turd got up to for the day, like their child was killing them. In this situation, he is going to forgive the SCP for his obvious scolding look. He needs a moment himself.

He turns to survey the room again, making sure no one's missing, or no one's actually injured but too shocked to notice. People still look alive enough to him, but some of the stares he receives shows he's not exactly endeared himself on this first shift. Although, in Eclipse's opinion, you can't exactly get mad about these things, when they're completely out of one's control. SCPs are dangerous for a reason, mainly because of unpredictability. Eclipse also remembers these people's mirth at his face making an acquaintance with the prison, but if he can graciously let go something they completely autonomously did, they can most definitely let go of an accident. They're going to have problems if their egos get in the way.

"Alright people, back to work. Avoid SCP-13666 for now. Only I can get close to it."

That's clearly a popular decision for everyone, except Killcode, but it's not like he can do anything about it. It's his responsibility now to get this thing open, especially with the inherited deadline of soon. And while soon is a vague term, it does imply within the year. Eclipse feels like they don't have the luxury of a year, because if Killcode is at the point where he's trying inferior replacements to cope, he might snap any moment now.

It's a race against time, and Eclipse simply can't lose. He's not allowed to.

So, ignoring the scratching that started up behind him, he approaches the cold stone of SCP-13666.

It's crack like paint is glowing. Ancient symbols lost to time meaningless to his keen optics. The black indicator is still flashing away its signal of death, that has yet to come for the scientist.

When he places his hand against it, he can feel power far greater than the electricity filling his wires coursing its running dance through the contraption. It's burning him, singing at his palm like it wants to keep him away. As if in warning. It wishes to push him away, as if he's the anti-thesis to its mission.

As if someone has torn away your code huh

There might just be something he can do.

***

Prying at it with his bare hands actually proves to be semi successful, its gaping jagged opening sliding just the tiniest inches apart. It reveals a glowing wall, audibly buzzing with energy.

The scientists around him are flying around, desperately trying to write down every new piece of information as if they're starved and it's the only sustenance they'll ever get.

When he presses his hand to the barrier itself, he quickly yanks it back, feeling an unnatural pull. It's trying to suck him in.

Killcode shows his displeasure by banging on the glass, which a scientist told him was recently reinforced with a new enforced material. It seems to be effective so far.

He feels bad for him, which is why he's taking his break leaning against the cage. This seems to calm the SCP, soft rumbling more felt than heard through the glass.

They sit in companionable silence, just simply existing next to each other. Eclipse is grateful.

He's exhausted, the emotional drain of what feels like a near death experience and then research where he risks his own freedom with each touch causing endo-deep tiredness. But it's clear this is the farthest they've ever gotten with this case.

It's sad how it seems like incompetence made the research go stagnant, when in reality he might just give off similar signals to Killcode and his family. With how much of a cosmic joke his entire life has been so far, it's plausible.

Steps interrupt his quiet contemplation, and he inwardly groans once he realises who it is.

Meanspirited snickering can be heard from the man, and Eclipse can't help the visible distaste from colouring his face.

"Itty-bitty baby-Clipsey"

"Hello Jerry" is his tired greeting, because unlike someone, he has manners "And it's Dr Eclipse, or lead researcher. Whatever strikes your fancy."

He sounds dead even to his own audials.

This school-ground level bullshit is really out of place in a workplace, but alas, here he is, dealing with a child again. Only this time, the child is a fully grown man, holding a supposedly intellect requiring job, and the playground is a research facility that by the way is the last hope of humanity.

It really gives him a sunny disposition on life.

"Oh come on Clipsey, babies should not be holding such important positions. I know it's scary, but the big adults will take care of it for you. The big adults can also... take care of other things for you, give you a good time." he winks and Eclipse feels disgusted.

Despite the man obviously laughing, taking mild level harassment as a joke, he can't quite help feeling filthy anyway.

"What the fuck man?"

He's always looked at humans as sick fucks, but this is a new low even for them. Most humans ignored the mandatory 'special' upgrades all of the animatronics were required to go through if they wanted to join society, which Eclipse was thankful for seeing as he removed all parts he could from that feature. It seemed like a sick twisted joke at the time, as if their personhood depended on them having something between their legs. Like the only way they could be acknowledged as living, is if they were even more in the image of their abusers.

So being propositioned, even if only by joke, makes him feel dirty, especially because models like him were doubly screwed, with humans being unsure of their gender for some reason. Because taking his word for things was stupid, like he didn't know better.

Before he can kick the man though, he continues talking.

"That might be the only actual use you metal cans possess—"

The man gets cut off, when Killcode, with a horrible growl, throws himself at the glass full force, letting out a bone-shaking roar that's almost enough to drown out the sound of glass cracking. Another metal on glass crack gets heard when he throws his fists against his cage, optics burning like hellfire.

He looks like he climbed out on the devil's orders, and has come to take a soul.

Jerry falls back, scurrying away, already crying. Killcode doesn't take his eyes off of him.

Eclipse himself is shaking, wishing to cower, but there's nothing to hide behind. He reminds himself it's not him who's angered the SCP, and then he tells himself it's okay, no one's going to get hurt.

If only he believed that.

For the rest of his shift, the air is tense, people keeping their head low.

All throughout, Killcode alternates between watching Eclipse, and glowering at Jerry.

When he finishes, he rushes to his new office.

He has an urgent report to write.

***

Days later, things have tentatively began to go back to normal. People dare to talk louder than in whispers, and some even dared to laugh already. This is a natural progress back to the usual, this he understands along with the crippling fear of another incident so close to the last one.

One thing he doesn't understand though, is why Jerry is still here.

He's reported SCP-13666-1's clear signs of murderous intent multiple times now.

There's no sign of approved transfer yet.

***

For a handful of days, nothing happens.

He goes to his more hands-on shift, then spends some time destressing by doing paperwork. It's usually boring enough to help him fall asleep.

Killcode has continued showing signs of aggravation, soon to turn aggression, but Eclipse figures he still has at least a couple of days to find a different placement for his clearly targeted assist scientist.

He's not too worried, at least not yet. He's feeling a bit hopeful at the moment. Life's been strangely domestic for the most part, ignoring the rising bloodlust of course, and he has to admit this is the most accomplished he's ever felt.

Under his guidance SCP-13666 has been fully opened, and they've started trying to insert objects. So far the most notable thing that happened is the first object they tried to push in getting shot back out and hitting an unfortunate guard in the face. They've since learned to duck.

He's also started talking to Killcode, asking him if he knows what the ancient writings mean. The SCP is unsure, but he did say he might be able to understand the language if they collect enough samples for him to find a reoccurrence. So currently that's their main objective.

Life's good all in all.

If only his tag-along could leave him be

"I'm just saying we shouldn't be trying to throw in pencils and shit, we should be throwing atom in there, kill anything that's in it."

This guy clearly didn't hear the nuke talk enough yet.

"We are not throwing nukes into anything, there're multiple documents telling people why atom is a bad idea." he pauses in the hope Jerry's braincells will pick up some of his words "And we have a deal with Killcode. Get his family out, alive mind you, then he's willing to go along with testing and even some assigned security duty now and then. People are discussing assigning him to an MTF."

The man is quiet for a while, and Eclipse against previous evidence, hopes he's at least partially gotten through the man, but all his hopes are dashed, falling apart in burning, broken pieces, as he sneers.

"Trusting SCPs, those freaks just want to kill. Although, you metal freaks do share solidarity with your kind huh" the malicious glint in his eyes is hateful, and Eclipse's fragile optimistic thoughts of people changing is turned to dust "One kind o' freak to another kind o' freak solidarity. You gonna be killing people too? Not like you have the emotions to feel bad about it."

Eclipse sighs.

He's much too used to people looking at him, and seeing a tool. Humans have always been doing that.

Before he can turn away from the man, there's a screech, then his world turns red.

There's something warm on his cheeks, on his optics, and he gets knocked over by something's momentum.

There are sounds of tearing flesh, and of agonized screams before they get cut off by a horrible crunch. Then there's only silence.

A shaking hand reaches up to wipe the sticky liquid off his optics, and what greets him is carnage.

There's a torn off hand in front of him, which makes him back up to the wall in a panic. He's cowering to the best of his abilities, as his head starts to turn automatically to where the sounds were coming from.

There, in the middle of it all, claws still digging in, is Killcode, crouching over the mutilated corpse of a fellow Foundation employee.

There's so much blood everywhere.

It paints the walls red, paints the ground red, paints those slowly moving claws dripping dripping red, it paints him red.

The nightmare turns towards him, as if in slow motion, and Eclipse realises he's trembling.

The SCP's steps seem to make the earth shake, as he slowly makes his way towards Eclipse, towering over him with those eyes burning crimson.

His rays slink back into his head, only the tips visible, his face is in his default grin, power rerouting to other more important parts of his body, like his legs.

His audials are ringing, his vision is blurring, his emotions are in a violent loop unsure of which is the best, and his frame is going numb. The only thing he's capable of seeing through his slowly corrupting vision is crimson optics ready to burn him.

Initiating system reboot

The last thing he feels before blessed unconsciousness hits him is hands gently sliding underneath him.

His last thought is about the red now staining even more of him.

***

When he comes to, it's abrupt, a sudden intake of air before he's ready to bolt.

A large hand, much bigger than his torso, stops him.

He's panicking, he distantly realises as his hands flail around and his legs kick out seemingly without his input.

He's venting harsh, and panicked, but it's as if he's watching through a screen and not from his own optics.

His colleague is dead.

His colleague is dead, and Eclipse can't help but wonder how much of it is his fault.

No, no! He filled out the notices, the reports, he was there multiple times when his supervisors read the papers! He did everything he could! It was up to the Foundation!

But then again, who wished for the man's death as a joke a couple days ago?

If he hasn't opened his big, fat mouth, then maybe this wouldn't have happened.

Maybe the man would have moved on, maybe he'd have been picking on entirely different people if he just stayed silent.

Maybe this could have been avoided.

The hand holding his torso moves a bit, as its owner rises from his apparent laying position. Killcode leans over him, optics glinting in worry, mouth set in a concerned frown.

It only makes him freeze up, terrified of the possibility of retaliation.

He can see those claws, clean now he absent-mindedly notes, sinking into his silicone flesh as if he were butter, can so clearly picture the drip of black oil like blood. He can hear those screams of a dying man, hoping against hope that he'll be saved. That the company he signed his life over to will care at least that much about him.

Eclipse has always been aware of the Foundation's questionable tendencies. Despite it, he didn't quite believe it could include the personnel as well.

He's been proven wrong.

Is his worth as a potential database that big? That he gets differentiated from his colleagues who are flesh and blood? Is he worth this much?

Or is he given a second chance because he's abnormal? Because he's cold and uncaring?

These are not questions his companion can answer.

Killcode pulls him closer, cradling him against his chest. He's handling Eclipse as if he'd break if he's not careful, as if he'd slip between his fingers if given the chance. He wonders if the SCP fears his replacement being taken away.

In a way, he's glad Killcode is not trying to talk. He's not sure what'd happen if he opened his mouth right now.

He's trembling again.

As that deep rumble starts from Killcode's chest, the one he's grown so familiar to hearing, he looks around and wonders.

He's never been on this side of the glass, even if it's currently broken.

He wonders whether the alarm hasn't sounded at all or if he was just unconscious during it.

His head feels too loud, too heavy.

He leans against Killcode, pressing his face into that metal chest as if to melt into it.

His eyes are wide, and his mouth is in a thin line. He hates closing it.

His arms go up to wrap around the only solid thing in the room with him, and he can feel his claws slowly unsheathe.

They slowly press into metal, and continue until they've punctured their way through. If he feels it at all, Killcode doesn't say a word.

He just holds Eclipse closer.

It's okay, it's fine.

He's fine.

***

Getting found in SCP-13666's containment room the next day is far from fun.

It's a similar situation to when the SCP broke into his room and left him in a blanket burrito.

Only Killcode, if anything, seems even more determined to keep Eclipse away.

It's terrible, and by the end of it he's shaking in fear.

No one seems to want to tease him this time. He's not sure he likes pity any better.

After they managed to pry him away, he gets taken to the medical wing.

Before they exit the room, he turns back.

Desperate eyes blink back at him.

***

It's been some time since the accident. No one talks about it, no one does anything. There's no memorial, but there's also no laughter like people said there would be. There's only grim silence.

Such is the way of life in the SCP Foundation.

You are just glad it's not you.

***

The cafeteria is bright and semi cheerful.

It's filled to the brim with people, chattering away about ordinary topics, trying to forget about the horrors that await them, about the fact this may be the last time they ever see each other.

He's only just entered, and he's already feeling sick.

Still, he makes his way towards the food queue, because yesterday, when Killcode asked about how he was eating, and he couldn't answer, the SCP said something about having to step in if he can't take care of himself. He doesn't want to find out what that entails.

The lunch-uncle looks at him with a frown. Eclipse is well aware how haggard he looks.

Despite policy, he gets served multiple lava cakes. When he tries to protest he gets shood off.

"It's fine" says the man, and his eyes shine in pity.

When he goes to search for a seat, a couple co-workers who he's friendly with catch sight of him and wave him over.

He shakes his head, and plasters his default grin on his face as he turns to leave with the tray.

He pretends to not notice the concern.

***

Isolating himself comes more naturally than he thought it would.

He's all too aware of people he might have called friends trying to corner him, to talk to him, but he ignores and evades all their attempts.

Who knows what will happen when they talk to him?

***

Somehow he looks exhausted as he stares into the mirror.

He's always thought himself ugly, but somehow, he looks even more hideous.

He can still feel the phantom sensation of blood spraying on his face, painting his red a different shade. He considers his red and black paint scheme, and shudders in disgust. He doesn't care enough to repaint himself though.

He looks back to his once disc head, and begins tapping away at the back of it.

He knows they only put a cover there, that the wires are still there, still in the same messy disarray.

He could just take it off... and unplug himself.

Pull on a couple of things, and just... reset.

He's been thinking of a factory reset for a while now, the current situation and the spite he feels towards his employers not helping. A reset could solve so many of his issues. He'd be a brand-new person, one treated as such from the very beginning. Or at least his frame would have some use, giving home to a new AI blossoming into their own being.

But he doesn't want to saddle an innocent kid with his mess.

But pulling a wire, that's easy. That's not fixable.

If he pulls the correct one, his frame could overheat, his processor could melt. There'd be no bringing him back from that.

He'd be gone.

He contemplates his wires.

He turns away.

***

Getting awoken in the middle of the night to a sudden weight on your bed is not fun.

When he turns to look, crimson optics greet him.

He's getting sick of interrupted sleep.

But to be fair to the SCP, this is only the second time he's invaded his room. Physically that is.

On his bed are a mountain of pillows, and blankets, ready to be made into a nest.

He doesn't fight when he's scooped up, wrapped into softness and warmth.

A nest gets arranged around him, much like the last time, and he just lays there unmoving as the SCP wraps around him.

He can't run anyway.

It's okay, he's fine.

***

Progress has slowed on the project. It'd probably be going better if he was actually into it.

Whenever he goes into that room, he just crumbles into himself. He's becoming more and more unresponsive, as the weight if an SCP's special attentions start settling in.

People are getting worried about him.

No, they are just getting worried in general.

They don't care about him.

No one actually does.

***

Killcode stays as a constant in his life, as the second week of his new position passes.

He's always following him around, whenever he's in the containment room, clearly worried. It's clear he wasn't expecting for his pretend son to fall apart so suddenly.

It's not entirely his fault though, all that is happening. Eclipse figures with the way he was going a fall was inevitable.

He just wishes it'd all make sense again as he once again curls up like a child in the arms of an SCP.

Even if meant for someone else, he'll take all the comfort he can get.

He's always been selfish like that.

***

The days are blending together, into an ugly grey mass.

He's only aware of how much time passed because he's been counting the days of his new position.

It's the only thing he can do.

It's been two weeks and six days already.

Joy

***

The final break in his already broken pieces comes when on a normal grey afternoon Killcode suddenly blocks his path in the hallway he's in.

It's so sudden he can't quite process what's happening, before he's already turning tail and just runs.

"Eclipse!"

He doesn't stop. He can't stop. If he does he doesn't know what'll become of him.

He tears through halls, and it's when he bumps into someone that he realises he's unwittingly led the SCP into a populated area.

Still, he can't stop.

"Out of the damn way!" he screams, pushing as many people out of the way as he can.

Most curse at him, before getting cut off by their own choked terror as SCP-13666-1 dashes past them.

He can feel the SCP gaining on him unfairly fast.

He throws himself around sudden corners as much as he can, but it's no use. Killcode will catch up to him no matter what.

The corridors blur together, all sterile white and faceless people he passes much too fast to process.

Somewhen the alarm goes off. Merrily signalling containment breach and death.

Breach protocols mean certain doors are locked, only openable via keycards. He doesn't have the time to open them.

So he skips through, rushing from one door to another, slamming them behind himself in the dim hope they'll somehow stop the nightmare chasing at his heels.

He's made it to the containment wing he belatedly realises as windowed doors line both sides of him, each indicated with the anomalies’ number.

He can hear Killcode behind himself, shouting his name desperately. He only runs faster.

It is because of this he notices the Tesla Gate much too late.

Tesla Gates are high voltage electric shock devices made to discourage SCPs from getting past them. When approached, inbuilt sensors will pick the movement up and begin the charge up sequence. The shock is deadly.

By the time he realises what he's looking at, it's much too late. He can see it powering up, electricity dancing in its arch.

In one moment, he closes his optics, accepting the unavoidable.

In the next, he's grabbed by his coat and hauled back.

He hits the familiar chest of SCP-13666-1, whose arms wind around him in an inescapable hold, keeping him secure against the tall animatronic.

The discharge of electricity paints them cyan for a moment.

Eclipse starts trashing, trying to throw himself forward.

He has to get away. He has to. He doesn't care if he gets shocked to death. It'd be a mercy.

"Calm my child—"

He can't do this anymore.

"Let me go!" he wails.

For the first time since his days at the daycare, oily tears well up in his optics as he sobs.

"Please, let me go" he hiccups as his body heaves with a final effort to escape, before going limp.

All the fight's been bled from him.

He stares forward, into the burning charge painting the world in such a stark unnatural colour, and he wishes it'd just reach out and burn him.

He wants to be done. He's so tired.

Killcode apparently, doesn't agree with him.

That accursed rumble starts up again, and then Killcode's walking away.

Eclipse doesn't see where they're going, swallowed in his misery as he is, but he gets shaken out of it when he's placed on a soft surface.

His bed, he belatedly realises, as he looks up at the SCP, towering over him even while sitting.

Killcode looks at him with this soft sad look, reaching up with claws.

When Eclipse flinches away from him, he doesn't say a word, only dabs at his tears.

They sit for what feels like an eternity, with only Eclipse's cries breaking the silence.

The SCP seems lost in thought, hands petting at his rays, and despite the nice sensation, despite something screaming at him to stay silent, to not say a word, he can't help but ask:

"Are you going to hurt me?"

His voice is impossibly tiny. Still, the SCP hears him just fine.

Killcode looks at him as if he'd just ripped his heart out, expression leaking so much pain Eclipse can't help but flinch, expecting retaliation.

It doesn't come. Only a deep, long sigh.

"I realise, in my eagerness for a family, I've ignored your feelings on the matter." he starts.

Eclipse wants to say something, but a clawed finger is pressed to his mouth.

"Hush child. It is my time to speak. You've done enough."

That sentence should sound angry, scorching. Instead, it feels like a reassurance.

"I apologise for my behaviour these past few weeks. I've let my instincts control me, but now I see that had only caused a chasm to form between you and me."

He looks down at the bed, as if he cannot bear to look at Eclipse in his shame.

"I was so afraid you'd disappear that I'd allowed myself to stifle you. I tried my best to protect you. But in that ambition, I've only drowned you. I did not notice I've become the very thing I've been trying to protect you from."

His hand goes back to caressing his rays, and after a moment, he leans into it. This causes Killcode to take a shaky breath, eyes going watery, before he seemingly gets a hold of himself and continues.

"I hadn't noticed that beside the comfort and familial love, I've been cultivating fear within you. I've not noticed that you've been crying for help because of my actions and my inability to help you comprehend them. It is my duty as your father to guard you, to cherish you. It is also my duty to help you with your feelings, to help you process things that've upset you. Instead, I've been burying my head in sand, hoping if I keep going you'll just be better."

He presses his mouth into a tight line. This is the first time Eclipse has seen him with his mouth closed.

"I've selfishly hoped my desires would win over yours, and thus I've failed you."

His eyes glaze over, as if he's looking at something, or rather someone else.

"Your brothers are all so different from you. They're brash and brave, and can withstand things no child should have ever experienced. In this sense you remind me of your uncle."

Killcode looks at him, and the soft warmth of his expression melts something tightly wound withing Eclipse's chest.

"My brother, Sun he's... much too soft and much too good for our family. He's the only one truly lacking in predatory instincts. Him and you now."

He leans down and presses a butterfly kiss to Eclipse's forehead.

"I can't wait for the day you two meet."

He whispers against Eclipse's casing, before leaning back to look him in the optics again.

"I'm sorry I've brought nothing but what that dark colour indicates into your life. I'm even more sorry that despite my failure, I can't just leave you alone anymore. You are my child now. That means I'll take care of you. Only from now on, I'll try to listen."

He pulls back entirely, as if awaiting judgement. His legs cross underneath him and his clawed hands turn to face upwards, into a facsimile of the lotus position. He looks solemn as he says his final words.

"That is a promise."

With that, he stops talking. He only studies Eclipse, but doesn't make any move other than the soft vents that move his chest out then in. It is his word that'll decide what happens here, whether these words mean something to him.

He looks into Killcode's face, finding sincerity, and that tiny shivering thing in him seems to warm when those eyes hold nothing but care. It fills him with something he cannot name, some of the bitterness swirling inside him dissipating.

It's nice to be apologised to without expecting anything in turn.

It'd be nicer to be given the ultimate choice, but he can't help but feel appreciated. Can't help but feel wanted.

It's a new experience.

He reaches out with tentative hands, seeking comfort, love, maybe something else entirely, but he doesn't have to wait long before he's pulled back into that metal chest.

He hates being held. But this is still the safest he's ever felt in his life.

The crash of weeks long terror, anxiety, sleeplessness and exhaustion hit him hard, and he can't help but yawn.

It earns him a chuckle.

He slaps at his self-proclaimed father, then burrows in deeper.

It's only fair he'll be his pillow. He did cause all his emotional distress lately after all.

***

As he finds out the next morning hiding stolen bedding in one's closet is not easy.

Hiding stolen bedding and an SCP is downright impossible.

Killcode for his part is more bemused than anything, blinking at him uncomprehendingly as he gets stuffed amongst all the comfy clothes Eclipse owns, what with him keeping his work attires in the drawer next his bed.

Folding Killcode in there feels like an achievement.

He can't quite catch his breath after the whole ordeal, before his door gets kicked down by the same group of Nine-Tailed Foxes as last time. If he searches hard enough Eclipse is sure he can find some irony there.

He grins at them, casually leaning against his closet, giving a jaunty little wave. A few of them actually wave back at him. Huh

"Where's SCP-13666-1?"

"That's rather a mouthful, isn't it?" he whistles "He's not in the room."

He's not lying if you take the inside of a closet as not part of the room.

The MTF guys scratch at their heads, look at each other confused, clearly lost. If SCP-13666-1 is not shadowing Eclipse's doorstep, then where is he?

Eclipse ignores the light scratching at his backside, tap-tapping away at the door.

When looked at questioningly for the final time, he shrugs.

They leave him, for now, but he knows they'll be back.

After he's sure the door's closed, he leans away from the closet which immediately opens. Killcode looks put out, and there's a sock stuck to his shoulder somehow.

He sulks over to the meagre bathroom, flinging the offending clothing item off of himself, before he crouches down, clearly cursing in his native tongue under his breath.

Eclipse can't help but chuckle at the endearing sight. He thinks there might just be some hope for this.

But he knows if he has to choose between his 'dad' and his new pillows, he's still choosing the pillows in a heartbeat.

Chapter Text

What was apparently a mental breakdown was not as subtle as he initially thought it to be.

The Site's therapist was seemingly jumping at the opportunity to have a chat with him, and when he was forced in to have a mental evaluation the man was seemingly vibrating. From what, Eclipse doesn't want to find out.

He was kept in for long hours, something out of the ordinary with this man, and by the end of it, he was near crying, but the other guy was worse.

From what he can gleam from that interaction, some of his supervisors genuinely thought for a moment that he was either going to get himself killed by an SCP, or he was going to do the job himself. Apparently everyone was scratching their heads while he was suffering, wondering how an animatronic can have a mental breakdown.

When he found himself with company later in his room that night, he wasn't surprised.

Killcode became jumpy by his lack of showing up for his shift, something Eclipse never misses, so he decided breaking out of containment, again, was the way to go. Eclipse can't exactly fault him, but he wasn't happy about the banging on his door later, and neither was he happy about being fought over like a stuffed toy by a territorial and protective SCP, and by panicking, irrational Foundation personnel.

After this he was quietly taken aside, and given an emergency device, which upon being activated, would let the Foundation know that Killcode's with him.

It works like a charm, annoying siren immediately cut off. However, it also left him with having to usher the SCP back by himself. Security apparently thought it wasn't worth it anymore. So they just left him to deal with a twenty feet tall nightmare murder machine all by himself. Humans suck.

What also sucked was the concerned looks he got by some of colleagues. People he'd been ignoring latched onto him like leeches, until he was constantly, every minute of the day, surrounded. It was an honest to god nightmare, one he couldn't do anything about. Because as much as he was aggravated by the increased attention, he understands where it's coming from. Self-proclaimed father on the other hand, when he bitched to him about it, decidedly did not understand, and so decided to try and intervene.

It backfired, causing an annoying ass human clique to form around him.

Animatronic personnel was somehow worse.

Upon realising the mortality of one of their oldest, they immediately latched onto him, much like the humans.

The old war machine of a bear in security, who's ancient even compared to Eclipse, who before this didn't bother with him all that much, because he can take care of himself thanks, is now also orbiting him. The guy's known for his overprotectiveness over their kind, always looking out for the new ones, but so far aside from respect, he didn't show any inclination towards Eclipse. But now those wise eyes were fully turned towards him, and he had no clue what to do about that.

All these caused tension to form, which snapped the moment someone tried to put themselves between Killcode and Eclipse.

The containment breach that followed, with the subsequent tug-o-war, was a stuff of nightmares, and he's eternally embarrassed and humiliated. Because believe it or not, being a damsel in distress is not his style, especially when the only distress he's in is being late to work.

He already subtly poked at the SCP about when he thinks his family will be out, and the optimistic answer left him scrambling to provide. Because he doesn't want to find out what happens if he can't.

Killcode, apparently placed his full faith into Eclipse, expressing how he was initially doubtful about the previous lead's estimation of soon, but upon being met with him, he's entirely of the belief that he was being told the truth. Eclipse is much too conflicted to tell him otherwise.

So he's left scrambling to escape being constantly monitored, and left scrambling to figure out the riddle that is SCP-13666.

And him missing his shift, because Killcode freaked at the number of tag-alongs and said tag-alongs freaked because giant homicidal SCP, was not helping.

Thankfully, the situation managed to sort itself when the kindly ancient security bear seemed to take notice of his discomfort and put his foot down. He was still surrounded when in the cafeteria, but he could finally relax because no one followed him around.

This way, he could put all his focus into getting an unknown amount of people out of a rock pyramid thing. Joy.

And he also has to juggle a clingy SCP, who's attempts at parenting have so far backfired more often than not. Eclipse can see this is a specie difference probably, but he's pretty sure Killcode is blaming the humans for some reason.

Their relationship does get better, however.

Killcode often accompanies him to his therapy sessions, which seem to really interest him. When Eclipse asked about it, he said the medicine for the mind wasn't as developed as it is nowadays when he last came across it. When that was, is a mystery even Killcode doesn't know the answer to.

He catches himself accidentally calling the SCP father in his head sometimes, so he has to chastise himself about that. He should never forget he is only a replacement, a temporary balm for the soul.

Still, it's kinda nice being cared about.

***

"Get out of the damn way, you are doing it wrong."

"How can I do poking wrong?!"

"I don't know, but you manage."

Eclipse will be the first to admit, the new scientist replacing... certain person, is annoying, pushy, and inadequate to be a researcher. Is the Foundation this desperate?

The woman can't take no for an answer, seems to have issues with authority, and doesn't even bother acknowledging Eclipse as a person half the time. She also seems to harbour expectations for her future, that with the way she's going at, she'll never achieve. It's kinda terrifying how to the t it is with that specific position.

She also doesn't listen to orders, because he specifically told her to directly touch the creepy white light wall, see if there's a different reaction for whatever reason, and half-hearted poking with a damn pencil is not that. He understands it's unsettling. He understands that she believes she's some sort of chosen one, but he's fairly certain it won't do anything, seeing as it hadn't done anything before.

"Just get out of the way"

He pushes her aside, ignoring both her and Killcode's displeased noises as he once again stands directly before SCP-13666.

"I have to do every damn thing around here myself"

And with that, he touches the energy wall.

The thing still wants to suck him in, which is great, and the reason he hasn't directly touched it again, but they won't get anything out of it if they don't poke at it. And if this one can't be trusted, and everyone else is currently doing something else, that leaves him, and him alone to actually try getting things done. It only responds to him anyway, seeing as Killcode avoids being near it like it has the plague. Understandable.

He smooths his palm on the barrier, feeling it out, trying to discern any weaknesses, any flaws within it. He hopes it can be pulled away like how the stone structure surrounding it was.

"See? This is touching. Even kids understand it."

Her glower would be funnier if his feet didn't suddenly slide forward, hand getting pulled in.

There's the tell-tale crunch of glass behind him, Killcode putting stress on the wall between him and Eclipse, but it's for naught. Eclipse slides in to his elbow, before getting his bearings, planting his feet firmly, and throwing all his weight backwards.

It's not as effective as he hoped it would be, but he stops being sucked in. He grunts as the pressure on arm seemingly doubles, and he doesn't know if it's because the thing switched to a higher force, or if it's because there's something on his arm.

He grips his trapped appendage with his free one, then tries pulling out again. If he can't escape, he'll just detach it.

He's faintly aware of the panicked shouting, the mass of people rushing around trying to get him out.

'Too late' he thinks, as his arms gets swallowed almost to the shoulder.

He's ready to just get rid of his offending arm, replacement sitting in the med bay thankfully, but then the pull stops.

He's panting in the facsimile of human exhaustion, before he gives a final heave of effort, and much to his elation, starts slipping out.

It's going at a slow pace, but anything's better than being stuck as a new prisoner with weird nightmarish people whom he's technically family with if you asked for Killcode's opinion.

Dragging his sorry ass out is a long, arduous effort, taking what feels like a century. But finally, it's only his hand in.

Only problem, it won't fucking budge.

His chest is rising and falling, vents much too fast, and he feels as if his energy is spent. But he can't stop now. If he does, he may be sucked right back in. He just needs a moment.

That moment stretches on a bit too long for Killcode's liking, apparently, because the glass shatters behind Eclipse. It doesn't come to anything though, because before Killcode can do anything, he tenses, and pulls with a scream.

The force keeping him in suddenly disperses, and then he's falling back. But before he can hit the ground, he's caught by something. By someone.

Before him, is what appears to be a robot, that looks like it escaped from some retro sci-fi movie. It's cream and rust orange coloured casing is jutting out at sharp, angry angles, spikes proudly sticking out of its back and head. Its face is split by a weird vent like thing in the shape of a smile, and its unsettling eyes burn with an inhumane intensity.

It's studying him right back, he realises, as its lead light eyes rove over his body, seemingly stopping on his rays.

Gold and yellow eyes meet, and Eclipse unwittingly shudders.

It starts saying something, even voice sounding robotic in its strange calm monotone, and Eclipse suddenly realises that oh yeah, Killcode and his family speak some other language.

He helplessly shakes his head.

"I can't understand you."

It tilts its head at him, led lights squinting in what, Eclipse doesn't know. It says something again, and Eclipse only helplessly stares. Then he's being swept off his feet.

Killcode joyously spins them around, laughing in utter glee. He's saying something in his native tongue, and then they're both nuzzled. Eclipse groans, while his fellow captive stoically endures the affection.

They stop spinning, the SCP happily starting to chat with his... family member, he's not actually sure which one, sibling or child, this fella is. They appear to be a solar model, if you squint at them the right way. Their conversation is probably very heartfelt, despite their seemingly uncaring monotone nature, but Eclipse is almost certain that is just a weird quirk. But there's something more important. Now is his chance to escape.

He tries wiggling his way out of the crushing affection, which only seems to draw attention back to himself.

Killcode's smile widens at the sight of him, eyes closing in his sheer pleasure as he leans down to place butterfly kisses with his great maw. He's seemingly bursting with affection and can't seem to get enough of the other person in his arms.

He says something to cream guy, an introduction he guesses with the way Eclipse is given a light shake. The other seems to process whatever was said, then turns back towards him with what he's guessing is a curios gaze. There's that head tilt again.

"Eclipse, this is Solar Flare. He's one of your siblings."

So this Solar Flare is a child. Great.

After a bit of struggling, he pulls one of his arms out from Killcode's hand holy shit, and gives what he hopes is a casual wave. The taller SCP seems a bit puzzled at this, before realisation dawns on him.

"I haven't taught you how to speak."

He looks horrified as he says this, which is almost amusing enough to excuse Eclipse still being held like an oversized doll.

"Yepp. What was he saying again?"

"He asked who you were and how you look like us. Don't worry, I told them who you are my son" and another nuzzle.

He pushes the greater being's head away from himself, before giving an unhappy wiggle again. Killcode seems to get the memo, but appears reluctant.

"Put me down please?"

The almost petulant expression combined with the room's general atmosphere doesn't spell good things coming if nothing gets changed. He needs to be put down right now, before another war between Foundation personnel and angry SCP dad can start over him. Again.

"Killcode, I need to get the paperwork started, so no one attacks Solar Flare. I'm also sure they'd want to spend alone time with you, to catch up and all."

It's a cheap tactic, but if it works don't change it.

Killcode's expression is almost pained as the hand holding Eclipse lowers him to the ground, and it takes a couple minutes before he can pry his fingers away. And even then, it takes a while before he stops pulling Eclipse back towards himself if he walks too far away. Which apparently means not being in physical contact with his pseudo child.

But it does happen. It takes long, but still. It's progress.

The euphoric feeling of success is dancing along his wires, lighting up connections within his processor, and there's a damn skip in his step as he rushes out of the room, forgetting in his hurry that the glass cage is broken, and thus meaning he'll probably be visited tonight. It doesn't even cross his mind what with the happiness of progress finally being made, and the crashing weight of being torn apart leaving his shoulders.

He's blissfully unaware of the pair of brightly burning eyes watching him leave, and the conversation that's entirely about him and his new place within their family.

***

Filling out the paperwork doesn't go as smoothly as he hoped. Or well, the paperwork does, but what comes after is the definition of shitshow.

He's ushered back into the meeting room, the heads of the facility all already there, and ready for execution from some of their faces.

They sit there for a tense ten or so minutes, before O5-4 logs on. But even then, they're told to wait more, because apparently Jack Bright has somehow bullied his way on this case, and wants any updates he can get.

There're multiple people glowering at him while he nonchalantly examines the hand that almost got him imprisoned today. He thinks the paint is a bit scuffed, and from the thin lines he guesses it was that Solar Flare person grabbing onto him. Now he just has to know why they did that, and how he can repeat this procedure multiple times still, so he can drag everyone out. And maybe tinker away on it a bit, because showing his hand into unknown places is not exactly smart, and the quickest way to get partially dismantled. He's not too keen on the idea of having to replace it, even if he was entirely ready to just detach it and throw it at the metaphorical wolves.

When Bright finally logs on, there're multiple groans. The man's chipper attitude doesn't help.

He's all too happy and friendly while he interrogates Eclipse, smile unwavering even in the face of a unified group of hostile jerks. In fact, he seems to be barely holding it together, shoulders subtly shaking as if he's stopping himself from laughing. Which is good, because Eclipse doesn't want a repeat of last time.

The meeting overall is long and gruelling, testing the patience of everyone. By the end of it, he personally is ready to strangle the next idiot who opens their mouth, and from the looks of it, he's not alone.

The head archivist, who's so far been sipping on a colourless liquid that he's fairly certain is not water, looks about ready to throw hands, and if stares could kill, she'd have already killed most of them. He can respect that, and he hopes he can get into her good graces enough that she brings him something next time. Even if it's vinegar, he'll gladly take it.

By the time they're finished, the humans are dragging their pathetic little feet, and he can feel his charge getting stupidly low. So much so that when the grizzled rude man tries stopping him for whatever reason, he just picks the man up and puts him out of the way. He can't be bothered to even smile at the sputtering buffoon he leaves behind.

Opening his door takes too much effort, but once he enters the shower and lets his worries melt away with the hot water, it's more than worth it. Sprawling out on his bed is near divine.

He fights his way under the heavy blankets, eternally grateful people stopped trying to take away his extras, which he guesses is because Killcode frightened them into submission. He's too tired to even pretend to feel bad about that, so he doesn't try. It's sleep time.

But as tired as he is, he still can't go to sleep for whatever reason. He's only brushing its surface, thoughts wild and dreamlike in quality, but rest doesn't come. He's left bonelessly laying on his bed, wondering if he somehow angered some god or other higher being to be cursed with sleeplessness.

The warmth of his bed only lulls him, but never fully pushes him under, and he wonders what would it take for Killcode to leave his actual kid and check in on him and get that addictingly soothing rumble going. If he were more awake, he'd worry about his inability to fall asleep without a person he means nothing to, but his higher functions are blessedly offline enough for the cold dread he knows will come by morning to be absent. He's only awake enough to miss the company of his father, but also sadly awake enough to realise he won't get it, what with his time being taken up by catching up with Solar Flare.

He'd let out a miserable little groan if he had the energy.

Depressing thoughts aside, he's almost entirely asleep when the sudden sensation of being watched washes over him. He doesn't want to, but he knows he should look, because given the situation it can only be a malicious colleague or SCP.

Still, opening his optics and pulling his head out from under his pillows, he can't help but hope for deep red eyes. Instead, he's met with stark yellow.

He blinks a couple times, trying to process what in the actual fuck Solar Flare might want from him, while the SCP studies him from its perch at the end of his bed.

It tilts his head at him, but otherwise doesn't move. Their body language is stiff, dare he say robotically monotone in nature, and he can't gleam anything from their stoic expression, tired processor or no. They stare at him without moving, and he stares right back, unsure what they may want from him.

He cuts a strikingly lonely figure in the room.

Eclipse lifts one side of the blanket up, a silent invitation. One that gets taken up almost immediately.

Solar Flare makes his way over, laying under the blankets with the same stiffness that seems to be usual for him. If Eclipse's higher functions were active, he might have noticed the unsureness radiating from his unlikely bed mate, but with the way he is, he just smooths the blankets back over his silent companion. Come morning, he'll realise it, cataloguing it for later dealings with his new-found pseudo-sibling.

But now he lets his head fall back, mumbling something about his pillows to Solar Flare, then he's on his way to sleep again.

When the SCP moves closer to him, so his head is almost touching their chest, he doesn't do anything except give an uncoordinated pat to what was meant to be Solar Flare's shoulder, but ended up being their side.

'Good enough' is his last thought for the night.

***

When he slowly starts coming back online, it's to a familiar deep rumble at his back, and an unfamiliar chest he's pressed up against along with unfamiliar arms wrapped around him, cradling his upper back softly, almost as if he were something fragile.

He's mildly concerned, but he's too warm and comfy to move.

The memories of yesterday slowly come to him, and he guesses the unfamiliar chest he's dozing on is Solar Flare, and that Killcode inevitably found his way to his freed kid. It's much too domestic and relaxing for Eclipse to break, so he just continues being putty on the poor sod who didn't know what it got itself into when it approached his bedside. He's going to take all its warmth as payment for sharing his space.

Sadly, the calm of the morning is shattered when his clock starts its usual ringing. Seems like it's seven already. That's fine.

What's not fine is the sudden panicked movement under him, and the tell-tale sound of his alarm sailing through the air, before meeting an unfortunate end on the wall.

Eclipse lets out a groan, giving a half-hearted slap to the metal chest he's on, before he pushes himself up.

Solar Flare's unsettling yellow leds are on him, and he swears he can feel its confusion as to why it was 'hit'. Killcode at beside them only chuckles.

"I needed that"

He sounds hoarse and aggravated, and he's annoyed by his own damn voice. His rays feel like they're sticking everywhere, he can feel one of his eyes twitching as some of the bootup protocols stagnate on his still too low charge, which duh, he went to sleep at five fucking am, and there's this insistent stinging at his optics which he's going to ignore, because it's stupid, and he's already done with today.

He also has therapy later today, which he obviously looks forward to.

Killcode says something in his native tongue, which Eclipse hopes is a translation. He's reassured of it, when Killcode apologises in his child's stead.

Nodding graciously, he gets up to see if anything can be salvaged from this one, or if he needs to go buy another clock, and is only somewhat surprised when he gets grabbed by his scruff and placed back on the bed, which suspiciously looks more like a nest than it did when he went to sleep.

"You've barely slept."

"I'm fine"

His next escape attempt is also for naught, as this time Solar Flare grabs him.

"No"

Huh, seems it runs in the family, or it's just a father-child thing, but seemingly Solar Flare is also picking up on English. Good. Eclipse wants to pick his processor apart.

"I have a job to do!"

When Killcode shakes his head, the hands gripping his upper arms only tighten their hold. He gets pulled back to the bed, and then there's a blanket winding around him in a terribly familiar fashion, and his optics widen in horror.

He's been blanket burritoed.

The two SCPs converse about something, and Solar Flare nods their head calmly, organising the blankets as if to cage Eclipse in even more. Killcode gets up, cracking his joints before moving to the door. Before he leaves though, he turns back.

"I am going to go cook" he what? "breakfast. Your brother will keep you company son." his expression changes into something stern "Behave"

And then he's gone.

There's an awkward silence as Solar Flare and Eclipse look at each other, and he thinks the other is also frankly reminded of the language barrier. He can't quite tell though, because Solar Flare appears monotone in everything they do. The only way they could communicate is through body-language, and that was thwarted by the blanket wrapped snugly around him.

He tries what he knew to be a vain attempt at moving, and his inability was confirmed when he couldn't budge. He lets out a long, deep sigh, looking back at his companion who seems to observe the room.

"I know you can't exactly understand me right now," the other's head snaps back to him almost immediately, and he'd have been worried had he not known Killcode. "but if you can somehow understand what I'm yapping about, it'd be greatly appreciated if you could let me out. I have a job to do."

There's uncomprehending silence, and he gives up with a groan. He tried at least.

He glares, not pouts, up at the ceiling, as if it's the birther of all evil, and almost jumps out of his casing when there's a gentle touch to his rays.

He's unsure at first about Solar Flare's intentions, but it only seems to want to tidy up his 'bedhead'. Its movements are gentle and methodical, with a practice that's clear even to his addled mind. He finds himself leaning into the touch as much as he can, relaxing as it soon turns to actual petting. His own systems do their happy little purr that he once caught Killcode squealing at, and when he looks at the other he's surprised at its led lights doing a happy little squint. It appears pseudo-sibling is capable of emoting.

The silence has shifted into something that's comforting, and he finds himself giving a soft smile, pressing into the palm at his head. He's blinking slowly, and he wonders whether him going back to sleep was the initial goal or just a happy little accident, but he's not even mad at the diabolical evil plan.

Fuck the Foundation, he can have a longer nap.

***

When he comes to, it’s to delicious smells filling his room, something spicy and meaty, and to a great head nuzzling at him insistently.

He tries rolling away, earning a gentle rumble, and more nuzzling. He knows he'll have to get up. Killcode only gets like this when he deems it necessary for his 'child'.

He opens his optics to glare, then huffs as that only earns him a chuckle and a kiss to the forehead. He's unceremoniously freed from his prison, and then deposited on the couch he was hundred percent sure wasn't there before. Was this from the breakroom?!

Next to him is an unfazed Solar Flare, who gives him a nod. Eclipse waves back, and then is promptly surprised when a bowl gets shoved at him.

Inside is a reddish coloured broth, with meat and vegetables floating around enticingly. It's got a spicy scent, and its pleasant warmth seems to seep into his hands as he cradles it. When he takes a cautious sip, he feels as if his very soul is being warmed, as if a gentle campfire has been lit inside him, chasing away the stubborn frost that seems unshakable. When a spoon is held out to him, he takes it without complaint.

The meal is nice, cosy in a way he's unfamiliar with. He can almost excuse the giant pressure-cooker that's sitting in front of the definitely stolen couch, and can almost ignore the fact that Killcode may have frightened the lunch auntie and lunch uncle to death. But that gets proven wrong, when Killcode proudly holds up wobbly little lava cakes.

"The kind cooks taught me how to make a couple treats of this age. They claimed this was your favourite."

Eclipse thinks he might just ask lunch uncle if they're comfortable with a third person in their relationship, or if they want a child as well, because apparently he's prime adoption material, or at the very least if they have any specific gift they want, because by god he'll fucking make it himself if he has to. He's going to get them something nice, no matter their answer. If only because he's sure he'd have offed himself already without their continued efforts of baking sweet chocolatey goods. He needs to show his appreciation.

He digs into the cake, wolfs it down practically, and when he looks back up expectantly having licked his plate clean he's met with the fond face of Killcode and the happy crescents of Solar Flare.

It's domestic, much too domestic for him.

He'll be sad once it's gone.

***

He gets the lecture of the century, because he forgot to press the anti-panic button.

It's entirely fair to be honest, but he's a primly little bitch, so he still ended up rolling his optics a lot and sneering in contempt. These people are all focused on potential property damage anyway, not his actual well-being.

But to be fair to him, teaching a struggling Solar Flare English while he gave incorrect translations after they got the hang of it, and avoiding Killcode's scolding swipes at him was fucking hilarious, and he'd do it again. Screw the Foundation.

After that he's late for therapy, and when he gets there the man seems frazzled enough as is, so Eclipse apologises and gets to it. It feels as teeth pulling as it always does, and it's not made any easier with the Solar Flare sized glowing neon signs of new SCP that may accidentally end up torturing him without meaning to. His therapist is nice enough though that he doesn't outright mention anything. Even if he very strongly alludes to it.

When he gets out, just in time for lunch, lunch uncle and lunch auntie laugh good-naturedly at his earnest offer to repay them somehow, before waving him off with the funnily wobbling pudding and sweet tea combo.

He gets waved over to multiple tables, but he accepts the offer of the old war-bear. He's sitting with other animatronics, mostly in security but he can see a couple who are archivists. They're overall the typical clique of animatronics found in most workplaces, where you can forget the distaste for anyone and anything and just hang out. It's nice being part of a group after all, and who better than people who understand your pain?

The bear's talking about his kids, showing off pictures of the little tots he commissioned, chest puffed out in pride. It tugs his shirt even higher, and Eclipse is left wondering again why there's a slit in both the war machine’s clothes and stomach. A scar perhaps?

"You doc, you worked with kids right?"

His smile is objectively horrifying, all needle teeth and manufactured menace, but behind it is the wiseness of someone who's lived way too long, and the fragile happiness of someone who's seen too much, but has finally found something worth living for.

"I did, yes. Why?"

"Hah! Cold as ever ain't'cha?" a couple animatronics snort, but it's all in good fun. He wishes he could say how he'll never understand how animatronics can laugh at someone without being insulting. "I wanna know what to look out for with my cubs is all." his voice is deep with an overwhelming quality to it that Eclipse isn't even frazzled by. He's been hanging out too much with Killcode it seems.

"To be fair, it's different with every child. Some universal things tho is don't yell at them, don't hit them, you know basic please don't abuse your kid thanks" he gestures with his hand "I'd advise against daycare unless it's something they want, cuz let me tell you, most parents only throw their kid there so they wouldn't have to be responsible for them and then could yell at the 'bot for screwing up" he takes a moment to analyse the new parent before him, taking great amounts of satisfaction when he makes the ancient machine fidget. He spins his rays, grin widening

"Mostly love them. You brought the tots in, it's your responsibility to make them happy now. Spend time with them. Most kids only want that and nothing more."

Something bitter forms a knot in his throat as he remembers all those sad little eyes, confused and teary, when parents just dropped them off at daycare. They didn't understand, because their parents wouldn't tell them. He knows daycare could be something beneficial, something needed and something fun, but many kids didn't know that as they were simply dropped off. The fact that most of them perked up right after or that some of them were even excited the moment they stepped in didn't diminish their initial abandonment. Not in his optics, at least. He remembers multiple children crying, screaming at him about wanting their parents. Parents believing children couldn't comprehend their unwantedness were idiots. They could tell it very well.

He remembers how almost all of the children were clinging to him, afraid that he would abandon them as well. How it made him ashamed how he didn't want them there either. But he still took care of them. Because unwanted things should stick together. He remembers all their faces, remembers all they told him, and wonders how many of them have achieved their dreams. Did the kid proclaiming he'd become a mechanic so he could fix Eclipse actually make it? Or did his monstrous mom do him in?

These were things he didn't like contemplating. He disliked the daycare, because he was unqualified. He hated it because there were so few children thrown at him who actually wanted to be there. The animatronic's daycare for children no one wanted to care for. Most of those parents wouldn't have actually minded if their kid went missing.

The table has silenced, and when he refocuses, he can see everyone staring either at him or into nothingness. It seems they can read between the unsaid lines.

The ancient bear's excitement seems to have diminished, and Eclipse would feel bad if this wasn't a sad reality he needed to share. This animatronic needed to know, so he wouldn't make mistakes, accidental or otherwise. From the glint in his optics, he understands. He looks at Eclipse as if he'd been met with something he hadn't thought about before, and he abruptly realises he hasn't initially been approached by the war machine because he hadn't thought a daycare could be mentally damaging. He supposes he can't blame the other for it. War is its own horror and it blinds so many of its victims.

They sit in silence for the rest of their meal, everyone thinking if any of them had it good.

He tries to not let it get to him.

He kind of succeeds when giant clawed hands find his and squeeze.

***

Work is a reassuring buzz of coordinated chaos. He could get lost in the flow and go, the quick tandem of push and pull, of intellectual battles of will, arguing for or against points.

The added pair of optics doesn't change that.

He's in his element when he thinks. He's in his element when he plots. He's sad to say it's also in his element to grab an unfortunate D-class and toss them at the white energy wall, which seems to have turned burning. The sizzle of burning flesh and pained screams doesn't register as he writes down his observations. The man's fine anyway. He's just a bit overcooked.

A new indicator is flashing now, this time in an orange colour. The white light that was previously uncomfortable has turned blinding, angrily burning anything coming into contact with it, as if SCP-13666 is lashing out at the world for letting loose another of its occupants.

Solar Flare with still broken English and the help of Killcode told him he was alone when Eclipse managed to pull him out. He also said he grabbed onto him because he wanted to help him get his arm out, so he wouldn't join their family in there. It's kind of sweet of them, and Eclipse is glad it was this one he pulled out. Solar Flare is at least polite.

He takes his phone out to snap a picture of the peculiar burns for later, before he hears a curious knock behind himself. That's new.

Looking towards the glass cage, Solar Flare waves him over, and he obliges, if because this is completely new. Next to the other solar themed bot, Killcode is bashfully fidgeting with his hands, something he rarely does, and he seems to be doing his best to not draw any attention. It works more or less, but only because people would rather ignore them.

"What is that?"

Is the half unexpected question, as Solar Flare points at his... hand?

Eclipse raises the hand holding his notes, but when pseudo-sibling only shakes its head he lifts the one holding his phone, then feels like he just had cold water poured on him when both Solar Flare and Killcode perk up. Has no one explained phones to them? Do they even know about technology? Aside from the doors and how to break through them?

"You want to know what my phone is?"

"Yes."

This is going to be awkward.

"Why do you keep poking at the glowing rectangle my child? It doesn't seem magical..."

Whoo boy

"That's because it isn't."

Two pairs of unnatural optics stare unblinkingly at him.

"As I said it's called a phone, a mobile phone to be more specific." he pauses, watching them impassively continue staring at him "It was originally designed to help people communicate over long distances, however nowadays it can be used for anything."

There's a couple of beets of silence.

"Can it be used for language learn?"

"Yes, it can be used for learning a language."

Solar Flare seems to be in deep thought, before giving a nod of... something. Maybe acceptance?

"So, I could theoretically learn recipes from the phone?"

"So long as you're online, yes.

He feels awkward. He has no idea how to explain phones to old people, let alone to before ancient times supernatural beings. If he could, he'd be sweating.

"Question."

And then nothing...

"Go ahead bud"

"What does awakeness have to do with phone?"

Someone snorts behind him before trying to hide it with a cough.

Tis be a long shift

***

Life slowly takes on a new norm.

Killcode seems infinitely happier, and somehow even clingier than he was before, setting a new record of babying when he somehow follows Eclipse through a whole day. It kind of reminds him of a stray dog.

Solar Flare learns English fairly quickly, and you wouldn't believe they had any trouble with it if you weren't talking to them right after escape.

The five days since then have been chaotic to say the least.

He had to press the anti-panic button more than he cared for, had to wake up to being stared down at more than he wanted to, and had been even kidnapped once when he skipped supper in the name of family dinner. He also had a harrowing discussion with one local bored immortal, who seems to be attempting to make friends with him. That's honestly what freaks him out more. Aside from the entire animatronic population of the Site flocking to him of course. He can't have a peaceful alone meal even when he gets up at the ass-crack of dawn. Someone will always join him, no matter what.

It's a trying five days, but finally, it's his day off.

He could have whooped with joy, most definitely bounced around yesterday, and basically ran out of Site grounds as if his life depended on it. He left bamboozled security in his wake.

Now he was in the nearest town shopping, and going to his favourite bakery of course.

His phone had been a hit with his family, even if his father glared at it murderously more often than not, but both him and Solar Flare have appreciated the ability to learn. So, getting at least a new phone, which wasn't Foundation property, was a must. Especially after the almost war like state of his higherups' office when he first made the request. It was approved of in the end, Foundation heads shrugging and accepting yet again that they couldn't stop SCP-13666-1 and SCP-13666-2 if they tried.

So he was in the market for something sturdy and reliable.

What he wasn't in the market for was a heart attack, when after being tapped on the shoulder and turning around, he found himself face to face with Solar Flare. He froze for a good minute, not comprehending the SCP standing before him, having a mental breakdown because he definitely didn't have the anti-panic button, and already planning his funeral, because his employers were going to kill him.

It was a surreal experience when Solar Flare took the bags already in his hands, and ushered him to a sitting area in the shop. He was pushed firmly but gently, until he was sprawled out on the bench, staring in disbelief at the cheerful display of cute cat eared phone cases. He almost thought he just hallucinated before the SCP flopped down next to him.

What the fuck was he supposed to do?! Did he just say hi or what?

"You are tense."

No shit

"...You know you are not supposed to be here right?"

Solar Flare did its iconic head tilt at him, but otherwise continued its stoic staring.

"My employers are probably displeased by your unforeseen... departure..."

He was unsure whether his words were having an impact on Solar Flare or not. Aside from their initial escape and that first night, he hasn't interacted with Solar Flare on his own. Killcode was always there. So now he found himself woefully unprepared, with a person whose opinion he didn't know on the little charade Killcode started playing with him. Was Solar Flare displeased? Or was he also buying into it to avoid thinking of their trapped family?

They continue sitting next to each other, Solar Flare studying the shop and Eclipse speedrunning the five stages of grief. No better way to bond.

"I like those ones."

"What?"

"I like those ones."

He follows the sharp pointed claw, and ends up looking at a phone coloured a soft sleepy blue fading to baby blue. Next to it seemed to be a random phone case, that had yellow and red swirls on it. They were a garish combo, but as he looked at Solar Flare, there seemed to be a weight pressing its usually rigidly upright shoulders down. He just didn't have the heart to mock the terrible taste.

When he flagged down an employee, he ignored their repeated questions of if he was sure that's the choice he wanted, because they had multiple nice blue coloured casings, but he said he was sure.

Solar Flare's quiet reverence as he looked at the terribly tasteless colour combination was more than worth it.

***

Shopping with Solar Flare was not as terrible as he first feared it'd be.

They were terribly curious, seeming to have question about everything, and seemed to have a wiseness to them that couldn't just be found anywhere. When he asked about it, they said such is the way of being the serious middle sibling.

When he snorted at that, those leds upturned into their happy little squint.

Solar Flare claims to be the most primitive design out of their entire family, incapable of changing their expression into anything resembling a frown or a glower, and while they hadn't said it aloud, Eclipse did notice their at first glance non-existent discomfort at being surrounded with animatronics all much more flexible in design than them. It appears Solar Flare was as bothered with their inability to properly express things as he first was as well. It must be frustrating not being able to fully communicate in the way everyone around you does.

Looking at Solar Flare, it reminds him of some of the quiet kids from the daycare. Luckily for his new brother, he knows just the thing it might need.

"What is this place?"

It asks as he ushers it into an arts 'n crafts shop. He grins at it, sensing its unsureness as it looks around at the fragile containers lining one shelf, and the easily tearing papers the other. One wrong movement, and its metallic spikes could destroy everything.

"We are going to get you art supplies."

It stops and stares at him for a bit, its led lights doing an expression he hasn't seen so far. Taking on a tinier shape than normal, Solar Flare almost looks panicked. He guesses it is.

"Objection. Paint is expensive."

"Eh, it's nothing I can't afford"

He waves nonchalantly, eyeing the displayed pencils. He's unsure whether he should go for them, or paints, maybe even crayons, but it's not like these things could hurt his wallet, so he just decides to grab multiple boxes of coloured and graphite pencils, some of the better-quality paints and brushes, dodges an almost desperate attempt to grab him from Solar Flare, then dances around them to where the markers and crayons are. By the time they catch up to him, he's already got cute cat and food themed erasers and is currently rummaging through paper. Their leds have transformed from tiny pinpricks to rings, but he ignores the unnerving quality in favour of grabbing multiple paper stacks, and rushing off the check out.

He smiles pleasantly at the employee ringing up their items, and ignores the trembling hands shaking him. It's cute how the other worries for his savings. But working for a shady organization where you could die any second does pay off in some aspects.

He struts out of the shop like some peacock, while Solar Flare just numbly stares ahead as it follows him.

He doesn't mention the other's head pressing into the middle of his back as they wait in the elevator.

***

They reach the bakery much later than Eclipse initially wanted to, but it's fine. It's for a good cause.

The sister working as cashier knows him by sight, and gives a conspiratorial wink. She bangs on the door behind her, startling some customers and Solar Flare, then cackles when deep grumbling can be heard and the door opens with an aggressive "What?!"

"It's our favourite customer darling!"

The chicken that pokes her head out is your standard smooth, flashy design that was real popular around the 80s, with pink dots of blush on both cheeks and a complimentary rouge adorning her beak. She's obviously went through a lot of changes, like making her face more expressive and her body more flexible, what was the mandatory for all of them to better fit in. But the essence of that retroness never really left.

She's wearing her usual stereotypical hat and a cutesy apron with stylised cupcakes at the front. She's covered in flour and chocolate, and he hopes she wasn't eating the ingredients raw again, because then he'd really fuck off to a different bakery.

"Ah, Clipsy!~ Here to get your usual hon?"

His usual consists of all that has chocolate or coffee or her special icing on, or in it. So almost the entirety of the bakery.

"And you've finally brought someone with you! Changed your mind about romance finally?" she wiggles her eyebrows at him and he can't help but snort even as he cringes in disgust.

"Never"

"Shame, you're quite the catch." she pouts, but her grin is only widening.

"Miss, this is Solar Flare... my new brother."

The pair of ladies behind the counter light up as Solar Flare looks at him as well.

"Aww! Finally someone got to you eh?"

"Oh shush. Just start baking. You want anything Solar Flare?"

It hasn't stopped looking at him, led lights still for a moment, before abruptly switching to their happy uptick. They appear almost bashful as they look over the menu, before choosing a salted caramel sweet for themselves after much debate between it and the strawberry shortcake. He gets both for him anyway, then ends up ordering everything off the menu, some at least twice, just to make sure even Killcode has something to his liking after he consulted with Solar Flare.

They spend hours there, as is the usual for Eclipse, all the while he helps Solar Flare set up the new phone, explaining things as they go.

The sunshine warmly shining upon them, gently fading from gold to orange to red to pink washes everything in a hazy glow, and he thinks he may have just seen Solar Flare relax.

They end up with a large bounty of sweets on their arms, some being gifts on the house as sister cashier so kindly put it to him when he protested, that's painful to smuggle back into the building, especially seeing as he has to smuggle Solar Flare in too.

It's ultimately worth it, as they get into his room where an anxious Killcode is pacing, who immediately lights up at the sight of them.

The night is spent laughing and eating way too much sugar.

And if maybe Solar Flare leaned into him just a bit more, no one but them had to know.

***

Seeing the Foundation personnel run around like headless chickens and then abruptly stop as he casually strolls into the cafeteria with Killcode and Solar Flare in tow is nothing short of hilarious. When someone comes over to discretely ask about his tag-alongs, he feigns confusion, saying he found Solar Flare in his room waiting for him with Killcode.

The funniest thing is, they actually believe him. He's the happy observer of the biggest dressing down as the idiots seemingly did forget to check his room for signs of their runaway SCP.

From watching, he learns the cameras were suspiciously offline, and a quick glance at Killcode proves his suspicions. He turned the cameras off, so his 'kids' could hang out. He doesn't say anything of course, wholly because no one bothered to ask him and for no other particular reason other than that. He most definitely is not covering for his dad.

The two SCPs get ushered back to their containment chamber, new phone and art supplies clutched firmly between careful claws, and it goes so easily Eclipse might just get in with them into the glass cube as reward.

He quickly stops that train of thought because... why would that be a reward to the two of them? Why would it be a reward for anyone to hang out with hateful, sarcastic Eclipse? He's just a temporary replacement, only being here until their real family gets out.

What other purpose would he have for those two?

***

His shift is pleasant enough, even with the self-depreciating thoughts bouncing around in his head.

He does end up going into the glass cube, and finding out how terrible of an idea that was when Killcode immediately wraps around both him and Solar Flare. He just wanted to get in, because Solar Flare had questions about downloading games and charging. Now he's stuck sitting on the floor, head in his hands as Killcode fusses over his appearance, seemingly grooming him. He's kind of concerned to say this isn't even the weirdest thing that happened to him the last couple of months.

He kind of wonders if the SCPs can sense his bad mood, but dismisses the idea. That'd mean they pay attention to him. No one does that.

Solar Flare is currently drawing, completely unbothered by both its father's behaviour, and by the threats being shouted outside their container. It’s drawing something very red right now with black accents, and that's all he sees before it hurriedly snatches the paper off the floor hugging it to its chest as it glares at him. He holds his hands up in submission, before pointedly turning away.

"It's going to be fine Dr Eclipse! Do not panic!"

Is that kid new? He's never seen that security kid before, and they have that fresh faced naivety of youth most newcomers have. The ones that hadn't seen the horrors yet.

"He's not going to panic idiot, this is not the first time something like this happened!"

"Oh"

He almost feels sorry for the kid, an earnest young dog-type, but their dumbfounded expression is amusing, and their previous concern was cute. This is a new build.

"We could always just leave him in there"

Is the quiet grumble of new woman, who doesn't understand the definition of touching something. He's going to file that information away for later. If she's so willing to leave him to the SCPs, even ones that are known to be friendly to him, he doesn't want to group up with her in case of a breach. You never know when they'll throw you to the wolves with these types.

Paper is showed his way suddenly, and he blinks down at it in bewilderment.

"Draw."

Well, that's one thing to stave off his boredom with while Killcode gets his baby fill.

He grabs the graphite rolled his way, and thinks about what he wants to draw. He hasn't done it in a long while for his pleasure, and inspiration doesn't come to him now. He fears he'll be so rusty at drawing anything that doesn't want to kill him that he'll screw up a single house cat.

…

Now that's an idea.

He starts sketching the head first, then the whole body, paying special attention to its whiskers and brushy tail, and before he knows what he's doing, he's given it very familiar spikes. Then he's drawing another cat, this one large and intimidating in stature, but making a silly face at the other cat on the page with it. He starts drawing a third cat, but with a clog in his throat he scratches it out, drawing harsh lines to cover the poor cat up with rays similar to his, and eyes that'd be gold like his. It's just wishful thinking.

He puts his all into shading and detailing the two cats, before he gets bored and starts poking at the sleeping Killcode to please let him out. It quickly devolves into playful wrestling as the SCP grabs him, and he squeaks in faux alarm.

He completely forgets about the drawing.

And he doesn't notice metallic, wicked sharp claws softly picking it up.

***

Sometimes, when he's feeling down, he'll grab an oldish radio, put on his favourite cassette, and attempt dancing his worries away.

Even if it doesn't work, the movement brings him clarity, one he's desperately in need of now.

He's always held Kiss close to his heart, those people unwittingly being an inspiration to accept, to celebrate the unusual. When he first managed to get a ticket to a concert, and attend as a person, he almost cried. Even if those people thought nothing of his kind, the fact that that was his first concert, left a special mark on him. Even after decades since that time, the strange cocktail of emotions still flare up with a vengeance. It still wishes to drag him under.

The albums and music collections, whether they're Kiss related or not, are his most prized possessions. They're a testament to the times he went through, to the life he lived. They helped him get through some seriously harsh times.

Now, as he turns the volume to the max, and presses play, he can't help the self-depreciating thought of round many, as he gets into position.

He starts swaying first, tapping his fingers to the beat, before raising his hands and doing a spin. He lets the music flow through him, allowing his body to move however it'd like to.

He gets into it, forgetting where he is, forgetting who he is, the only things existing are the music and the motions he gets lost in. His feet are moving endlessly, going faster and faster as he completely ignores the rhythm of the song, making up his own beat to jump and spin to, music only a background noise as even that fades, giving way to the sound of his vents, the sound of his systems running and screaming I'm alive I'm alive I'm alive.

Despite it all, he survived. Despite it all, he continues.

He slows as the music reaches its climax, going to a tippy toe, other leg pointed straight ahead, feet flexed, while he leans back elegantly, hands above his head. He's almost horizontal, if not for the leg holding him and the slight imperfections in his posture due to inexperience. But in this moment, it doesn't matter.

He's emulating human panting again, barely aware of anything except the pleasing thrum of his engines, and the fading beats of this song. He knows he'll be in this position quite a few times more tonight.

What he wasn't aware of, was his apparent audience, who in his unknowing state approached him. He only become aware of their presence, when his hips are grabbed.

He jolts, hands scrambling to hold onto anything, before he blinks up at his uninvited companion.

"Solar Flare?"

The SCP studies him, accidentally positioning itself as if it’s dipping him, then pulls him back up.

"What are you doing?"

The hands on him move up to his upper arms, a place at a seemingly comfortable height for Solar Flare, and their head tilts to the side in their only way to show confusion.

"I'm dancing"

He tilts his head right back, wondering about something.

"Actually, did you want to join me?"

Solar Flare stares at him.

"I do not know how to dance."

"Then I'll show you, come on."

He pulls the SCP more into the middle, grabbing their arms as he goes.

"Your hands go here" he places sharp claws back on his hips "My hands go here" he grabs onto spiked shoulders, careful of the cutting edges "And now we just sway to the music"

He gives a light push to their shoulders, waiting for them to move so he could follow. He's hoping Solar Flare won't struggle with leading as much, because Eclipse is unsure if he could even lead it.

He has the best view in the house to the momentary panicked pinpricks, before they awkwardly shuffle along. The new song is already well on its way to end, but they pay it no mind. They slowly find what works for them both, then begin moving in earnest.

Solar Flare is incredibly unsure at first, so much so that Eclipse wonders if he somehow made a mistake, but then he gets into it. From then on there're no problems.

They step in tandem, and before he knows what's happening, Eclipse is twirled around, before being pulled back into fast paced spins.

Everything is spinning now, and he lets out a laugh as the emotional high of the flow of another person takes him over. He's flung and twirled around like some ballerina, and he's fairly certain his grin is a bit manic, like it usually gets when he's really happy. He's too far gone to be ashamed.

He hears a giggle, and frankly realises Solar Flare just laughed for the first time since he met them, but then everything goes wrong.

Somehow they get tangled together, Solar Flare letting out a weird whining noise while Eclipse squeaks, and then they're falling.

They land with a heavy thud, and Eclipse grunts as he takes not only the brunt of the fall, but sharp edges stabbing into his plating as well. He lets out a wheeze, something worryingly rattling in his chest, and then Solar Flare's pushing off of him, hovering as if unsure of what to do.

When he cracks open an optic, when did he close them, he's met with those rings again as something unrecognisable flashes through the SCP's face. He looks like he's panicking, as if a pleasant dream just turned nightmare, and Eclipse realises why when a shaking hand presses on his abdomen and comes back shiny black.

When he cants his head to look, he's met with a thin slice seemingly just deep enough to draw oil. Certainly freaky, and a sucky way to end the night, but what can you do? In his opinion it doesn't require Solar Flare kneeling above him, looking as if it had just killed him. He's had worse before.

"Calm down, it's fine"

"You are injured."

"Yes, but tis but a scratch"

It flinches back as if he'd just slapped it and not made a badly timed reference. He sighs.

"Come 'ere"

It's clearly reluctant, but Solar Flare has always been quick to follow orders once it's seemingly established he's older. Still, it's clearly reluctant to move towards him.

When he finally leans down, Eclipse grabs onto their shoulders, and pulls them into a hug.

"It's fine. This is a scratch. I'm not going to die because a speck of oil escaped its confines within my body. I'm also not mad. This was an accident. Those happen."

He feels his old daycare persona stretch to fit his new personality, then settle into something that comes way too easy to him. Mister Eclipse finally letting go, giving way to something he dares not name.

Solar Flare is still trembling, and he realises with a start it's crying. As much as it's able to anyway.

He shushes them, rocking them as much as he can.

"Self-repair will take care of it. Hush now"

Arms sneak under him and hold close. There's a familiar squeeze to his side this time, as if this SCP has also just tested the strength of his casing.

He believes it's left wanting this time as well.

***

Sneaking to a med bay is difficult, but finding an uninhabited one on top of that is the challenge of the century. Especially because Solar Flare refused to let him walk.

But by the power of whatever god is currently forgetting it has beef with him, they manage.

He knows there's no need for the med bay, injuries superficial enough to be taken care of by his self-repair systems, but Solar Flare clearly needs the comfort.

They've seemingly managed to convince themselves that his lower half is going to fall off if he, in any capacity, uses it for its intended purpose, movement. So he's treated like he's crippled for the time being.

It's annoying, but he manages to keep his trap shut, and that is the biggest success of tonight.

He gets set on a bed, then he's left alone while Solar Flare rummages through cabinets and lockers, looking for what, he's sure even they don't know.

They come back with bandages in the end, which is fine enough by him. He most definitely doesn't need the blowtorch.

They sit in silence as Eclipse unwinds the scroll passed to him, before shrugging off his shirt. He begins the arduous process of mummifying himself, all the while despairing about how he just wanted some alone time. And then how he just wanted to be left alone to feel sorry for himself. But his pity party was snuffed out before it could begin.

"It's usually my uncle doing the repairs"

It's so sudden that it barely registers. He startles first at the unexpected voice, then at Solar Flare's stare, which hasn't left him since it brought the supplies.

"What?"

"Uncle is responsible for repairs."

They look down, almost as if ashamed.

"I do not know how to heal people."

It'd be a statement coming from anyone else, but from Solar Flare, it's a vulnerable admittance of something they think of as a fault. It's them tearing apart their insides, just to show something soft and fleshy and fragile, and hope he won't be the one to stab at it. It leaves him baffled, because that is a statement most people can more than claim as a simple fact about themselves, but to Solar Flare, it is a wound.

He doesn't understand

"When he offered, I had the chance to say either yes or no. At the time I thought it unnecessary. Uncle will always be there after all."

Eclipse winces at the quiet admission. Something squeezes in his chest, and he's left wondering whether all of them were of this belief or not.

"I regret my answer now."

And isn't that just something tragic? How the naive belief of always being together will nullify your need to learn important life skills, because someone will always know? How companionship can both make or break a person, simply because of what we give, because of what we take on so others around us won't have to?

Although, he guesses in most cases it's something selfish breaking up these families, the rot that quietly grows from within.

How does one comfort what can't be comforted?

"It's fine. You can still learn."

And isn't that the simple truth of it all?

"But how? Uncle is still trapped, and it will take a while to get him out. You said so yourself when Father last asked you."

He gives a faux offended huff.

"I can fix people too you know"

And it's as if he'd said something wonderful.

Solar Flare lights up, leds rapidly changing between happy squint to normal, to something glitching past way too fast for him to process.

"I'd like to take that offer brother."

***

Killcode is pacing in his room when they get there, Eclipse's walking privileges still taken away, and it's kind of funny how fast he goes from reproachful to horrified as he notices the white gauze wrapped around his stomach.

It's stupidly noticeable, stupidly unneeded, but it makes Solar Flare feel better, so he's going to suck it up and endure for now.

"What happened?! "

"Solar Flare fell on top of me."

That doesn't mean he's not going to be a snitch though.

He has approximately a second to register the betrayed look on his brother's face, before Killcode swoops in and lifts both of them from the ground.

He sits Eclipse on the bed, yet again more a nest than anything, and places Solar Flare on the couch, into time-out he realises, infinitely amused as the solar bot curls in on itself while Killcode goes off the deep end, scolding both of them simultaneously.

It's hilarious, and he can't help his roaring laughter. That's when the nightmarish SCP fully rounds on him.

He's lunged at, soon safely wrapped in a blanket again, and his shocked sputters are enough to set Solar Flare off into snickers.

But then it's his time, and soon he's also trapped withing a blanket, seemingly trying to free themselves from its confines. Eclipse is too far gone in anger to properly appreciate the sight, letting out an enraged scream as he tussles with a blanket of all things.

Now it's Killcode's time to laugh. Only there's no snuggly repercussions this time.

He simply leans back, watching over his troublesome children as they both try to escape time-out jail.

It's useless though.

He's a very thorough father after all.

Chapter Text

Sadly, teaching Solar Flare how to fix people had to wait.

He didn't expect to be invited to the funeral of Jerry, especially given his relationship, or lack of thereof, with the man, and what he initially guessed was a behaviour he inherited from parents.

He didn't have to worry.

All direct family this man had, was his old widow of a mother. Sure, she had siblings, quite a few of them at that, and there's Dave whom he shared a workspace with, but they still weren't all that close.

"It's so good of the Foundation to pay for this... It's very kind."

He's the only animatronic present, and he stuck out like a sore thumb during the whole ceremony. Even now, during the time for the grieving family to gather and mingle, expressing condolences he's not sure how many of them actually feel, he's nothing but an outsider that somehow got roped into the same circle the now sonless mother is in.

He still doesn't have the heart to tell these people how the Foundation only paid for the funeral, because this way they can insist on burning the body. Because this way, it's easier to cover up the tracks. Because these people believe it was a workplace accident involving machines.

In a way, they're not wrong.

They're just not correct either.

"I could not pay for it myself." her lips wobble, expression dangerously twisting downward "Their offer was a God send!"

He's not sure it really was an intervention from god. Although he never talked with the guy, so who knows.

"I was so fortunate to have young Dave here. He was such a help."

Dave stands silently next to his mother and aunt, the former wrapped around the latter. It's an intimate hold, where one can clearly tell they're twins. Curiously Dave looks more like his aunt.

The crowd chitters and chatters around him, all sad frowns and tragic faces. There're still few who cry, most wear the sad face of people who are only observing the falling pieces of strangers' lives.

It must have been quite a pitiful existence.

But as the lonely broken woman before him verges on a tearful breakdown, he finds himself speaking.

"I was there when it happened."

Heads turn to stare at him, some surprised by his presence, or perhaps by his words. The only one he focuses on is the grieving mother.

"I was his direct supervisor. I should have done something. By the time I realised what was happening he was crushed. I should have paid more attention, tried to focus on his safety more. I failed him."

And there is the simple truth.

His optics turn to the ground, but he's fairly certain no one can actually tell. He can't bear to look upon the woman most entitled to judge him.

He was supposed to look out for the man, no matter how shitty a person he was. He should have tried harder with the Foundation, he should have insisted more for Jerry to be moved. Instead, he's left to pick up the pieces of a broken family, conveniently left to be the scapegoat.

How amusing

A warm frail hand wraps around his, his gaze startling upward as it gives a soft squeeze. Instead of angry eyes, he sees sad, understanding ones. He feels sick.

"It is not your fault dear."

"I was responsible for him. It happened on my watch. I could have done something if only I have been faster."

But the gentle human before him doesn't change, those eyes don't change.

Compassion, he realises, burns like poison.

"The fact that you feel this way tells me all I need to know dear." he severely doubts that "Tell me, were you his friend?"

There's an awkward silence that he's unsure how to break. He just continues staring, and he can feel his face stretch back into its default position.

His grin clearly unnerves and insults those who've been previously holding the widow's shoulders, but he can't help it. Most often than not, if he doesn't know what else to express, this is what he comes back to.

"I understand." he startles again "My Jerry was not an easy boy to get along with. Your metal skin would have irritated him to no end." she chuckles good naturedly "Got it into his head that if he despised what he did it'd earn him his daddy's approval. Silly boy that one."

Eclipse wonders for the first time since seeing this sweet and frail looking lady, if she's a widow by choice.

"Looking at you love, I can tell my darling boy was in good hands. Not many would show up to a person's funeral who hated them. It speaks of a strength of character not found in many."

He can't bear to tell her he's only here because Dave asked him, and he couldn't say no with the man looking as tired as he had.

He's suddenly pulled down into a hug, hands hovering awkwardly, unsure where to put them. In the end, he softly pats her back, pulling away not before hearing her say:

"You did your best. Thank you."

Whatever his face is doing must be truly alarming, because Dave swoops in to save him. His arms wind up around him, and he's wearing that same sad tired expression again. The man doesn't seem to care Eclipse has about a meter on him.

He starts leading them both away, eyes gazing into the nothingness. He looks lost, mouth wobbling at the edges, but he pushes on still. It is somewhat admirable.

"Thank you for coming. It means a lot."

"Don't mention it"

He looks back over the man's head, finding the granny's wise gaze still on him. He's surprised to see her smile.

He did his best?

What a joke

***

Getting back into the swing of things after, is a welcome distraction. It takes a while, but he slowly relaxes back into his position. He's happy things are going back to normal.

Or well, mostly normal.

"Solar Flare, please don't use the poor screwdriver like a hammer. There’re actual hammers here if you want to bash something in."

Just like he promised, he began teaching Solar Flare how to fix, or well as it calls it heal, people. It was a relatively slow process, because while they were gifted with both intelligence and patience, it was still a lot to learn, and he was fairly certain they sometimes fucked up just to mess with him.

Like right now, he can feel the smug shit-eating expression radiating from the absolute brat.

"Do you actually want to learn? Because I can take that off you if you want—"

He hasn't even finished the sentence before Solar Flare is hissing at him.

"Play nice children"

Eclipse can't help but roll his eyes.

"Oh yeah, sure dad "

It's meant as sarcasm, but there's a sudden silence, and the crippling sensation that he has just awoken something he most definitely should have not.

When he turns to Killcode, who's terrifyingly enough behind him, he freezes in a fucked-up rendition of a deer frozen in headlights as unblinking predatory eyes unwaveringly stare at him.

He can't see it, but he's familiar enough with the signs to know Killcode is tensing up, ready to pounce.

He has a second to try and correct his mistake

"No, no wait!"

But it's too late, and as Killcode lunges, he propels himself forward as fast he can.

It's reminiscent of the time he was running from the SCP in the halls, when he almost died, only more comical.

His room is not exactly the most spacious, especially with the stolen couch he vaults himself over before quickly sliding under the also stolen table, then scampers backwards when Killcode just fucking jumps over it. It results with him landing head first in the semi-stolen kitchen cabinets that he saw lunch auntie and lunch uncle help smuggle into his room one time.

It would be hilarious, if he could stop running for a moment to truly appreciate the scene, but sadly Solar Flare also joined in the apparent game of Hunt Eclipse For Sport, so his only hope is the door sitting tantalizingly at the farthest wall from him.

He dodges metallic claws meaning to snatch him, then ducks as the nightmarish SCP sails over his head again. He still has to throw himself to the ground, just to avoid Solar Flare, who's much more calculating in his approach, and ends up more rolling than running.

Somehow, he makes it to the door, slamming it behind him and engaging lockdown, then books it. He's well aware the door won't last long.

He's also aware he should not be running, because he'll just excite the two predators chasing after him, but as the door audibly gives behind him all sense of rational thought disappears as the overly familiar sound of pounding metal footsteps, and silent barely there tap-taps echo in the empty corridor.

He feels like a prey animal, trying to avoid the inevitable by hoping it can tire the superior creature out, but he's aware enough to know that won't work.

Still, he tries his best, and as he more slides than runs while taking a corner, he bellows out in the suddenly populated area.

"Out of the damn way!"

Most turn towards him as he passes by, those who've been here at the previous stunt pulled like this quickly pressing against the wall, those who weren't either getting pulled back by colleagues who were, or staring in confusion, before scrambling back as fast as they can at the sight of the murder-machine barrelling his way down the hall, followed by a slower, but still unfairly fast blur of cream and rusty orange.

They're gaining on him, he's aware of it, which is not surprising. Both are taller than him, and while this slightly hinders Killcode while he takes corners, he's ultimately still the faster chaser of the two.

He takes a sharp, unexpected turn just as he can feel claws graze his back, and he smirks at the sounds of indignant squeaks and wheezes as the unfortunate SCPs collide with the wall. This earned him a couple of seconds.

He uses that time to open a door to a random storage room, slam it, open the storage room on the other side, carefully push the door back in, then carefully pull open and then close the first door as he slips in. He scans the room, knees weakening in relief as he spots multiple perfect, adequate, and barely working hiding spots. He chooses one of the latter.

He hides under an office desk, form barely being covered by other forgotten junk. So long as no one enters the room past the halfway point, he's fine.

He barely settles, before the door creaks open, letting the hallway's bright neon lights shine into the long-forgotten place.

He holds his vents and fears he's disturbed too much dust, or that one of them can somehow smell him, which he wouldn't be surprised by given Killcode's uncanny ability to find him at all times. He curls into a tiny ball to the best of his abilities, and observes the shadows dramatically painted on the wall.

The spiked crown of Solar Flare's head is unmistakable, tilted in its usual way. While it's way too subtle to be normal, he can see Killcode's shadow discretely shrink as he quietly moves into the room. If the nightmare moves further inside, he'll surely spot him.

"He can't be here, it's not logical for him to slam the door and announce his presence."

He's surprised by how low Solar Flare is speaking, too used to its confident loud monotone voice to properly process this near silent communication. It does click after some time, and the only reason why he doesn't relax with relief is the unnatural quiet invading the room.

There are a tense couple of seconds, seemingly stretching into eternity, before Killcode seemingly acquiesces, and straightens.

"You're right my child."

His voice is deeper than usual, a distinctly inhumane quality to it making him shiver. Eclipse thinks he's not the only one remembering how the last time he ran went down.

"Your brother appears to wish to play hide and seek with us. We, of course, won't let him win easily. He does enjoy his challenges and I do think he deserves to be pampered don't you Solar Flare?"

Eclipse hates hide and seek. While it was always a safe option, guaranteed to distract the tots, some of the little turds decided it was a great idea to hide in potentially life-threatening places. It's also not ideal how instead of the silly children he's used to, this time he'll be searched for by supernatural death machines, who seem to be the kings of the food chain, even amongst some of their fellow SCPs.

The only reason he doesn't give himself away in the quiet is because he manually locked his joints and limbs, cutting his trembling off before it can even begin. Being pampered sounds more like a threat right now.

"I'll check the other room."

"Good, my child. I'll continue down the hall. Maybe he ran along."

With that they slowly, very slowly, back out of the room, as if subconsciously aware of their prey hiding within its confines.

He doesn't dare move, even as the room is pushed back into silence, all too aware one of them could have still been in the room, waiting for him to screw up.

He offlines his optics, thankful no one appeared to notice their glow, and tries bringing his knees closer.

He's unsure how they'll react once they get him.

He knows he slipped up.

First with the whole calling Killcode dad, then with running, and now he's playing the fucked-up horror version of hide 'n seek. He should know better by now than to essentially tease all powerful beings, yet he seems to screw up every single time.

He marginally relaxes as he hears the door on the other side open.

"Oh Ecliipse~"

Killcode's fading voice reassures him in ways he didn't know were possible. For a second, he feared one of them stayed in the room with him, because they saw right through his little ploy, but it appears he worried for nothing.

He still doesn't dare make a sound. You can never know.

He sits there until the hallway's opposite door opens and closes for the final time, has a mild panic attack when Solar Flare opens the door to the room he's in, before closing it again, then sits there still as metallic footsteps fade into nothing.

For now, he escaped.

But only barely. If they searched a bit harder, he'd have been found easily. He's fairly certain Killcode was searching through the decent hiding places near the door, before getting interrupted by Solar Flare. He only won for now because Solar Flare didn't believe he'd put all his hope into a gamble such as this. He still has a lot to teach that kid.

He dismisses that last thought as ridiculous. His imagination sure likes joking around.

After an intermediate amount of time, he dares to poke his head out. The room looks undisturbed, which simultaneously calms and freaks him out. Something as big as Killcode should have kicked up the dust covering all surfaces in a thick layer. It yet again proves how unfair life is.

He shuffles out of his hiding space, before tiptoeing to the door. He presses his head against it, listening intently to any telling sound of an SCP being nearby.

He's aware he'd probably be unable to actually hear at least Killcode, but it does make him feel better.

He creaks the door open, cursing his head shape for being so terrible he can't even discretely peak through the crack. Instead, he rotates his head around, before trotting out of the storage room.

He's out in the open now, but he can't count on his hiding place staying undiscovered. If they search every other area, they'll know for sure something was up. He also can't count on the same trick working twice. They're much too intelligent for that.

He sneaks his way down the hallway, using his phone's camera as makeshift mirror to look around corners. So far, no sight of his pseudo-family.

He makes his way to the containment area, hoping to hide in the hopefully still intact glass cage next to SCP-13666. It's a hiding place he hopes the SCPs won't think about. Who would hide in a prison after all? Not someone who's sane, is the answer, which Eclipse will happily admit he isn't.

He sadly, doesn't quite make it.

He got maybe a bit too complacent, but he almost walked out into the open at an inopportune time. He barely catches sight of towering white on blue-black and ends up awkwardly stumbling to keep himself hidden. The result is almost catastrophic as his shoes make a harsh strangely cut-off squeak.

He offlines his optics as he takes a vent, tensing up at the unnatural quiet suddenly filling the air. He starts backing away, keeping as quiet as he can as he barely stomps down the urge to turn tail and run. All is not lost yet.

He sees the door next to him, reading SCP-049, shrugs thinking 'it could be worse' before opening the door only enough for him to slip in.

He waves to the startled doctor, miming the universal shush motion, then turns to look out the door's window that's thankfully not one-sided.

He has perfect view as Killcode stalks down the corridor, clearly aware something's up. Eclipse's only luck is him not looking in the SCP containment rooms. That's yet again, an insane thing to do.

The SCP barely passes by, before Eclipse turns around to the curious plague doctor who wandered closer.

"Thank you and goodbye"

He whispers, before slipping out the room and books it.

He can instantly hear the barely there tip-tap, the woosh of air as it parts for something very large and very behind Eclipse. He pushes himself harder, throwing off the godforsaken white coat he didn't yet take off for some reason, and is surprised when there's a slipping sound behind him along with an oof.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean for you to fall!"

He shouts back, but doesn't stop. If he does so, he'll be caught.

"It's fine" is the wheezing reply before Killcode seems to push himself up.

It did earn him precious seconds, which he uses to duck into an open staff room. There's thankfully no one here to rat him out.

He stares at the couch that's got those stupid longer legs everyone hates it for, before shrugging and doing his best to duck under it.

He miraculously fits, but it's a humiliating position. While his head doesn't have to be pressed face first into the ground, thank god, it is tilted at an awkward angle that makes his neckpipe hurt. His body isn't much better, curled up into a semi-sideways ball as it is. He's happy he's flexible, but his joints are going to hate him.

Killcode silently pads into the room, and he's reminded of the scene from Jurassic World where the Indo-Raptor, which is a very stupid concept, breaks into the little girl's room. It's the only acceptable part of that movie, but he still hates how that's the first thing to pop up.

It doesn't help that Killcode clearly seems to know he's in here, displaying signs of excitement that reminds him of carnivores before they pounce. His feet are tap-tapping whenever they still, and his claws clink as he rubs them together in anticipation.

He prowls around the room, seemingly growling from deep within his chest.

"This game ends here Eclipse"

He manually turns off his motor functions to stop the shiver wanting to go through him. He's screwed even as he is.

"Come out little mouse~ There's no use hiding. I'll find you always my son"

He's unsure what he feels when Killcode emphasizes those two little words, but he hates the fluffy warmth filling his chest. It's stupid. He's stupid.

He doesn't have time to fully process, before the couch is lifted in the air, and he feels like as if things are playing out in slow motion as he turns his head upwards, and meets the seemingly sparkling eyes of Killcode. He seems stupidly pleased by something.

He squeaks, scrambling to get away but even he knows he's doomed.

Before he can get a couple of steps in, or even upright for that matter, a single fucking hand winds underneath him.

He's lifted up in the air with care, before meeting the crimson eyes of Killcode. He laughs nervously, grin feeling too wide to be default, and doesn't even feel embarrassed by how he's essentially held up like a kitten by its scruff.

"There's no way you'll let me go is there?"

The SCP's grin widens, eyes crinkling into happy little crescents.

"No"

And then he's being nuzzled as Killcode rumbles away. He tries pushing the great head away, but that only seems to make the SCP more determined to press his face against Eclipse's person. Once he decides he wants to show affection, nothing will stop the nightmarish animatronic.

He's pressed into the all too familiar metal chest again, and he lets out a sigh, relaxing finally. He guesses it's fine.

Him stilling seems to be the sign Killcode was waiting for, because the SCP trots out of the room completely unbothered by the now broken legged couch he's leaving behind.

All he seems to care about right now is Eclipse, and wherever he's taking them.

***

Their destination seems to be his room, shocker, where he somewhat expects to be blanket burritoed again.

It doesn't come, instead Killcode sits down on the stole- sorry, borrowed fluffy rug in his usual cross-legged position.

He seems to be vibrating from excitement, barely able to keep his affection in check so he doesn't accidentally injure Eclipse's, compared to them, fragile body. Ever since that first night, the SCP has been all too aware of his softer casing. It's somewhat touching.

He's in full snuggle mode, but Eclipse is comfy so it's fine.

"Where's Solar Flare?"

He fully expected for the other to already be here, fully sure Killcode would have informed him first thing.

"It's been a while since your sibling had this much fun. I'm going to let it hunt a bit more."

Seems fair enough.

They sit in silence, and Eclipse feels like he should say something. He's getting uncomfortably awkward, his terrible social skills insisting he should be speaking, because that's what normal people do. Him needing to fill the silence hasn't happened with Killcode in a while, so he's immensely annoyed at himself.

"Is there a reason why you thought chasing me was a good idea?"

He asks as he turns towards the SCP.

"You called me father!"

It's said with such happiness accompanied by a sunny smile that should blind him with how bright it is.

Just the reminder seems to set Killcode off, who with a sound of unadulterated joy swoops down to nuzzle him again. He grumbles, but heroically endures the affection, deliberately ignoring his own systems giving their happy little purr, much overpowered by Killcode's deep rumble.

The SCP still notices, and then Eclipse is swinging in the air as he's somehow even more pressed to the large warm metal chest. If he could breathe he'd be suffocating.

It takes a couple minutes for the other to calm down, minutes where Eclipse has to endure love and physical affection, but then they're standing.

Killcode pads to the bed, placing Eclipse down in the middle before arranging the bedding to his liking. The result is the most comfortable nest to ever exist, and he's not to blame for immediately turning to putty. It's a blessing on his overexerted joints, which are protesting now because of the rough treatment.

"Can I ask how you lost us?"

"The master doesn't share his secrets."

The SCP snorts, covering him in the fluffiest blanket. He feels like he's in heaven.

Killcode leaves his bedside to rummage through the kitchen area, where things are, of course, mostly stolen. He insisted on renovating an unused part of the room for his purposes, having been fed-up by being chased out of the cafeteria kitchen by personnel, so he could cook for the family. Eclipse was aware his room was too small for it, and that he most definitely didn't have either a gas connection or outlet there, but agreed to it anyway. When he came back after a suspiciously calm shift to find his room fundamentally changed, he decided not to ask.

It's sometimes better to not know.

When he opens his eyes to check what his companion is doing, he gets jump scared by his coat. It seems Killcode brought it with them. He hadn't even noticed.

"Solar Flare is on their way back. They're bringing cat cookies."

He adores those silly things.

"Chewy?"

"Very much so."

Yummy

He decides to make himself comfortable while they wait, entirely aware he'd be barred from the salted-caramel chocolatey goodness until he ate dinner, something he doesn't need, but something Killcode vehemently insists on.

He spies the SCP grabbing wild meat, along with what he by this point recognizes as homemade noodle ingredients, and silently cheers again.

While Killcode is an amazing chef capable of making anything tasty, he adores the SCP's spicy wild meat noodle recipe to death. It's just the perfect amount of painful, and while he usually doesn't like salty things all that much, that one recipe is the exception.

He grabs a book from his nightstand, all too ready to pass time while waiting for dinner. He's actually looking forward to it as well.

True to his word, Solar Flare arrives in half an hour, multiple trays' worth of sweets richer. They seem mightily pleased, good mood infectious and Eclipse finds himself grinning back at them.

They go about picking the forgotten tools up, before settling down next to him. He adjusts his book so it has a better view, and says nothing when they slip under the covers with him. He's not surprised when he's immediately hugged to his brother's side, giant cuddle bug as it is.

It's a pleasant way to spend time, made all the better by the delicious smells wafting through the air. If it could, his mouth would be watering.

It still takes too long before they're asked to set the table, two chairs and a pillow around it making for quite a homey picture. Even if the table is a bit too big.

Eclipse guesses it's for those not here yet.

"I made tea. Honey's in its usual cupboard."

Eclipse doesn't waste time slipping around the nightmarish creature to grab the cutesy bear shaped bottle. He actually has no idea where most of these items came from, because while early on there were some mysterious transactions from his bank account that came out of nowhere, those stopped after someone complained about high prices. He always suspected who the culprits were, but he hadn't said anything. Interestingly though, there never was a payment for meat items.

Dinner is pleasant, and he eats more than he should have. He's feeling sick by the end of it, but he still wants to eat more. It's concerning enough that his family has to step in.

"Eclipse please let go of the table"

He only holds on firmer, claws breaking through the wooden surface.

"No!"

He still wants to grab a cookie dammit!

"Eclipse I swear the cookies will still be here next morning. You know I'll make sure they don't even taste off!"

"Leave me to eat!"

Perhaps holding onto the table like a child while Killcode tries to pry him off is a bit immature. He doesn't care though.

Solar Flare is panickedly looking between them, arms hovering over one person then the other. They're clearly unsure, desperately looking between them, hoping either one will break or they'll just cease their behaviour.

He can wait all he wants, because Eclipse is not giving up the delicious sugar rush he's experiencing.

"Just a couple more!"

"You've had more than enough! You'll be sick!"

"I don't care!"

His hands are sliding.

The weakness is clearly felt by the ancient SCP, as he concerningly stills for a moment.

Then with redoubled efforts he starts pulling again, heaving Eclipse backwards.

He's slipping inch by spiteful inch, clearly seeing yet unable to stop the outcome. Still, he won't make it easy. He drags himself forward with all his strength and clings to the tabletop. Let's see if the SCP's patience can last.

Sadly, he does end up getting dragged from the table, but he doesn't end up as a blanket burrito, so win.

Instead, Solar Flare slips in next to him, holding him still while Killcode tidies up the kitchen.

He grumbles and obviously doesn't pout as the feast gets put away for morning. His glare and behaviour are not childish in the least!

When Killcode returns to the bed, he turns away with a huff, arms crossed.

His only answer is a chuckle.

***

Waking up the next morning is a nightmare.

He has several regrets, most of them in the shape of cute kitty faces, but despite his nanomachine stomach hurting, he pushes himself up.

What greets him is his dresser and couch blocking the door, and a cheerily smiling Killcode and content looking Solar Flare. It appears he's been trapped.

'Oh well'

He lays back down and cuddles under the blankets. This is not his problem.

Only Killcode's humming fills the air as he reheats yesterday's dinner and makes couple side dishes. Some eggs and some vegetables from the smell of it.

"Good morning my son!"

He must have dozed off, because he didn't sense the SCP's approach. Looking up at Killcode's lazy grin, he just groans and pushes his head under a pillow.

"Having regrets now?"

"Leave me to die "

"Oh shush"

He's not forced up though, so at least there's that. Even if he hates everything right now he can at least appreciate being left alone in bed. If any of his supervisors question him he'll just say he's been barricaded in.

A tray is placed on the nightstand, but he only stares in disinterest. He feels like throwing up.

"Do you require assistance?"

Bless Solar Flare and its warm metallic heart.

"My tummy hurts but I'm being so brave about it"

Perhaps memes are not the best idea right now because he feels the judging silence of his brother even before he finishes. Looking at Solar Flare confirms it, and he whines.

"Stop looking at me like that!"

"Stop being immature and foolish."

"Children, behave "

He turns away from Solar Flare, glaring at the wall instead. He knows it's his actions that led here, but in his defence, he usually doesn't indulge himself to that level. Even if it felt terrible by that point, he could have kept going until everything hurt not just his stomach.

He still lays in misery as pain wracks his body, hiding under the covers and pulling everything he could over himself. The warmth and darkness soothe his aching head, while the fetal position he's in... does absolutely nothing to help. But no position would help in this situation, he knows from first-hand experience.

The bed dips somewhere before him, then a cold hand presses against his forehead. Solar Flare, despite questioning his brother's decisions, clearly wants to make sure he's not actually dying.

It's sweet. Solar Flare is sweet.

The other side of the bed dips as well, Killcode's large weight forming a distinguishable dent in its surface. He rumbles as he usually does when he wishes to calm one of them, before a hand slips under Eclipse.

He's pushed into a sitting position, despite his half-hearted protests, and something warm is pressed to his mouth. It's a cup of herbal tea he realises not long before he takes a sip. Camellia, if he's not wrong which is said to have stomach soothing properties.

"You need to eat at least a few bites. I'll prepare something lighter, so the tea has time to work."

He takes the tray with him, which was maybe a bit too greasy for his sensitive stomach. But now that he's not being bothered anymore he can burry himself back under the warm nest.

Solar Flare continues to sit with him, petting his rays gently. It helps relax him, and before he can realise what's happening he's already dozing.

He drifts between consciousness and dreamland, warm and comfortable, cared for by his family.

When the bed dips again, he doesn't react, too far gone. He still gets bullied into a sitting position, and a couple spoons of tasteless mush get forced down his throat. He cringes away, batting at anyone and anything to show his displeasure. Any food is better than tasteless food. Tasteless things are the worst.

When he turns away, covering his mouth and shaking his head, he gets left alone. He goes back to dozing, shimmying up to Solar Flare until he gets the memo he's supposed to pet him still.

With a monotone sigh he acquiesces and Eclipse melts.

The rest of the day continues on like this. With Eclipse dozing, sometimes made to drink tea or eat some other stupid mush.

By the end of it, he does feel better.

The warm expressions that greet him when he emerges from the nest is entirely worth it.

***

He throws another pencil at the barrier of one SCP-13666. It catches fire like the previous ones did, and he sighs as the arguing of the highest-ranking scientists under him continues in the background.

"I'm telling you, if we do that it's going to pull Dr Eclipse in!"

"We have to get the rest of them out somehow!"

He leans against the glass wall behind him, expression bored as he continues observing the conflict.

"Idiots the both of them."

Solar Flare snorts behind him, and his grin widens.

"It's been a month and a half since the last breakthrough! We need to advance—"

"We hadn't had any breakthroughs before researcher Eclipse took over! If we lose him we might as well say goodbye to any progress at all!"

He looks over the other scientists gathered around, examining every minor shift. Those who notice his stare quickly turn away, clearly uncomfortable.

"—maybe if you weren't a—!"

"Oh, because you are bette—!"

"Ladies, ladies you're all very beautiful. Can we actually have an intellectual discussion or are we still forced to watch the next episode of Bright's newest drama series?"

The two men turn to him, clearly embarrassed. Good, they should be.

"We are all feeling frustrated, believe me, but as Dr Smith said we can't do this without taking necessary precautions. So, if anyone has any ideas, do share with the class."

Only silence greets him, most people staring blankly ahead of themselves. Everyone seems to be thinking, but no one proposes anything.

It's the same problem they've been having since Eclipse approached SCP-13666 a couple weeks ago, and was noticeably wrenched towards the prison. It was a chore to pull him away, only this time he didn't have to do the job mostly by himself and with the help of a prisoner. This time people realised they could grab him.

He was almost proud of the visible improvement their ability to think seemed to have gone through, and would have shed a tear had he not been actively participating in the fight for his life.

SCP-13666 seems to have decided what it views Eclipse as, and that's a threat.

It caused mass panic, people seemingly losing all hope as they herded him towards the glass cage in the centre of the room. That's also something they learned by trial and error.

The team he has is good. Well, mostly good.

There's still replacement lady who barely survives to ruin another day, there's this man who Eclipse is surprised hasn't forgotten how to breathe yet, and a guy in a lesbian way, who's mind is more focused on sex than anything. The last one is at least brilliant when they actually try, so that's something.

It overall doesn't paint a good picture, because it's either a telling sign the Foundation can't find anyone competent enough to work for them, or this project is simply considered unimportant and they'd never actually planned to deliver on their promise so long as Killcode could be contained.

He wouldn't be surprised by either option.

But now he's here, and in the foolish hopes that maybe after this he'll at least be allowed to live, he continues on. He dares not hope for acceptance.

His processor is mulling over possibilities even as grim scenarios fill his mind, and he berates himself for being so easy. There's nothing direct he can think of, so he goes back to observing his underlings.

They all look thoughtful, some of them wearing an expression like they just swallowed a lemon while others like they're planning a funeral.

His eyes stop on one younger researcher, who despite being something of a fresh face to the world of the SCP Foundation, is progressing in great leaps and bounds, and he tilts his head in curiosity. The kid will speak unprompted, he's sure of it.

"Maybe we could tie a harness with a leash on the researcher?"

Eclipse wishes the kid's trap stayed shut.

There's baffled silence, as scandalised eyes turn towards the suddenly anxious kid.

"... Are you naturally this stupid or did you get help?"

His statement causes a blush to overtake the suddenly stammering scientist's face. Kid's apologising purposefully, trying not to look at anyone.

"Any other bright ideas?"

No one says a word, and he doesn't acknowledge the sorries coming from the corner.

When he turns towards the glass cage, he has the best seat in the house to take in the ridiculous expressions his family's wearing.

Killcode's face is doing a weird combination of blank, shocked and angry, and he stares wide eyed at the kid like they're stupid. Eclipse's glad he's not the only one thinking that.

Solar Flare's ring eye-leds are staring unflinchingly at the kid as well, the question clear behind their gaze: 'Are you stupid?'

It's amusing and he chuckles, but the stupid comment did get him thinking.

Leash huh?

***

"You've gotten good at tightening screws. If you continue with the great progress we'll be setting back broken limbs into their place before no time."

This does make Solar Flare's eyes light up, before they seemingly droop.

"But when are we going to learn about open wounds?"

They've been very adamant they learn how to stop oil flow and mend together broken casing. Their impatience is both surprising and amusing.

"Soon. I think broken limbs are more important though."

Solar Flare seemingly slumps, which is not something the untrained eye could actually pick up. But Eclipse has gotten quite good at Solar-Flareiontology, so he notices. He sighs.

"We are going to get there you know. But there's no need to rush yet."

His words don't seem to reach the SCP, who stares forlornly towards where the bandages are. It's a sad look on them.

He has no idea how to help, but he feels like he needs to. Solar Flare has been kind of on eggshells around him since the minor mishap they had, that seems to be the greatest trauma for Solar Flare and something they still beat themselves up over. It's a sad look on the proud animatronic.

An idea suddenly comes to him, and he grins.

"Hey, do you want to dance?"

There's that quiet yearning look again. He's caught Solar Flare trying to dance by themselves multiple times, but they don't seem to be able to properly connect with the music on their own. It clearly frustrates them, and it breaks his heart.

" We can'—"

"Yes we can, come on!"

He pulls Solar Flare away, back into his office where his radio is. He's gotten used to his brother's laughs, so he's confident they won't get tangled this time.

Still, he opts for softer music this time, something calming instead of energising.

As the old machine struggles to life behind him, he approaches the nervous SCP, placing his hands on its shoulders. He waits for it to find his waist, before giving them a slight push.

It's awkward like it was the first time, but a new flavour of something like fear invades the atmosphere. Solar Flare is clearly worried the incident will repeat again.

It doesn't need to worry, because neither of them escalate, only swaying gently to the music with a couple steps here and there.

It's relaxing, but no less fun than last time.

By the end of it, Solar Flare's smiling and it's clearly gained back some of its confidence.

That's good. Eclipse won't be here all the time to make sure they're fine after all.

***

When he first pulled out Solar Flare, he expected Killcode to abandon him. After all, why would he show favour towards a replacement now that he has the real deal?

But to his surprise, the SCP still spends time with him, both with the company of his brother and one on one. This is one of those latter times.

They currently sit on the floor, playing uno. The usually competitive game is somehow calm and relaxing when played with his father, who clearly has no desire to win. When Eclipse once asked why that is, his answer was "Ending the game early means you're not in good company", which is total bullshit, but he let the old man to his delusions.

"Solar Flare has been gushing about your kind reassuring act."

"Oh, really now?"

"It's been touched by your care. It wishes to thank you somehow."

"He can do so by stopping the pouting. Seriously! We are getting there. These things can't be rushed!"

"Perhaps you should ask where such impatience might come from."

Killcode had a tendency to sometimes say wise or cryptic bullshit, and from anyone else it'd have been unwanted. The SCP, who's ancient beyond ancient, however could share things without sounding condescending.

It was a talent much needed by most people.

"Worry I'm guessing."

"Indeed. Solar Flare is a sweet child. They've always wanted what was best for everyone. That sometimes meant making the hard decisions."

He mulled that over even as the SCP declare uno, and promptly beat his ass.

He only sighs shaking his head, already shuffling for the next round.

It's good to spend time together.

***

Despite the horrible phrasing, an idea was born.

But instead of a fucking leash, he'd have a rope tied around him, one most often used for bungee jumping.

Another idea was some kind of pole like tool given to him, so he could avoid touching SCP-13666 for at least some time.

Tungsten could easily withstand the barrier’s heat, so they went with that, crafting some weird contraption that reminded Eclipse of kitchen tongs. That was scrapped, having looked too ridiculous, instead switched to a full-on rod with indents all over it. All the better for grabbing.

Choosing tungsten also had the added benefit of withstanding Killcode's moods, and they at least learned that he's the most powerful entity from in there. It totally didn't freak any of his colleagues.

Eclipse was kind of expecting it with Solar Flare's reverence.

They had all amusing equipment at the ready, looking more like clowns than accomplished scientists. Such is the price to pay for good deeds.

"I'm going to say this now, don't get your hopes up. What happened with Solar Flare was a happy little accident, that I'm not sure can be repeated. I can only promise to try my best."

"That is more than enough. Thank you Eclipse."

He sounds so fragilely sincere too. Sometimes he hates Killcode's uncanny ability to get under his casing.

He turns away without another word.

He can't bear to see the disappointment on their faces when he fails.

He nods to his unofficial right hand, and Dr Smith hurries to tie the rope around his middle-section. He grabs the tungsten rod, giving it a good shake.

He makes sure for a second time the end of his rope is still held by people he trusts, like the old bear animatronic who upon hearing what he wanted to attempt, offered his services.

He gives a two fingered salute, then marches to the safety line freshly drawn around SCP-13666.

He first observes the barrier, trying to discern if there have been other life shattering changes in the last ten minutes, then when he realises he can't stall anymore, he raises the pole in his hands and pushes.

First there's great resistance, and he has the momentary fear this is unmovable object meeting very easily stoppable force, but his fears were for nothing. He gets surprised and almost stumbles over the safety line when the end of the rod is pulled in, only being stopped by the rope at his waist.

"You good Doc'?"

"Yes, don't worry about me!"

He had his doubts the thing could go in, but with the pull he's feeling on himself he has the terrifying thought the SCP senses him on the other side of it. They're suddenly playing a very dangerous game of tug o' war, one he doesn't really wish to participate in.

Still, he tries moving the tungsten rod, happy it at least somewhat nudges in the direction he wants it to. But something's not right. He's deeply disturbed by something, unnerved in a way he learned prey animals are. He needs to pull back.

"Okay, I think that's eno—"

He gets cut off as he violently lurches forward, feet leaving the ground for a second before he gets his bearings.

The force on the rod multiplied, and it shakes as he struggles to keep a hold of it. It digs into his palms, rubbing his casing off as his black oil swells, coating the pole in the slick substance. Only reason it hasn't slipped from his hold is because his claws are digging into the crevices on it. But even those are slowly scraping off.

His vents come in loud pants, optics wide as he stares uncomprehendingly at the wall of light. His upper body is tilted forward, while the area where the rope is tied is being forcefully held back. He's dangerously off balance, and he's aware one wrong move might kill him.

The rod trembles violently, almost as if... almost as if someone is on the other side.

"'Ey! Let go of the damn thing Doc'!"

"I can't! There's someone holding onto it!"

His feet scramble on the floor uselessly, trying to find traction, anything to help pull himself and the other person backward and forward. He's panicking, so far gone he doesn't notice glass cracking as he slides closer and closer to the prison.

It's almost as if whoever's on the other side wants him there.

While Killcode couldn't talk about the family he hasn't seen in about a century, Solar Flare did divulge they're probably more likely to pull out people who are aggressive, especially after their disappearance. He might even be seen as enemy.

He slips ever closer, all too aware of the burning heat emanating from the seemingly raging SCP-13666. It burns with blinding light, seeming to throw sparks as it tries to stop the release of another one of its captives. But Eclipse has never been a quitter, even when it'd have been more beneficial.

He's almost as close to it now as he was when he pulled Solar Flare out, and then it kind of just stops for a moment.

There's a lull, that's spelling something foreboding and dangerous, and it is as if it happens in slow motion.

A red figure bursts from within, and there's a second where gold optics meet bloodthirsty pentagrams, and then the creature is on him.

He lets go of the metal rod, reaching up to instead hold shoulders as the wild creature above him roars in rage, and he only barely notices there's something wrong with the voice, before wicked claws materialise out of nothing. Pain explodes in his stomach as they pierce his casing as if it were a joke, and then he's pushing with all his might just to keep their suddenly needle teeth from snapping around his neck.

It's a desperate struggle, hate filled eyes glaring holes into him as he sneers back.

Suddenly the glass behind him shatters, and then fear fills him. He's convinced his so-called family is going to support one of their own.

He needn't have worried.

Killcode's great form overtakes his vision in a second, as he protectively leans over him, hissing something in his native tongue about calming down.

He doesn't fully understand what they're talking about, but he can discern the newcomer is a they, not in the normal gendery way, they're Killcode's kids, and they hate him for some reason.

A valid reaction to meet him for the first time honestly.

They try to jump at him, to continue their attempts to shred him, but Killcode, stepping over Eclipse, grabs them and throws them back. They land on their feet like cats, eyes wild, uncomprehending.

They spit and curse, calling their father foolish for being soft-hearted, that Eclipse was going to hurt them. Which is kind of an amusing thought, seeing as his claws have been ground away, leaving only his blunt fingers, but okay.

As the parent-children argument continues, Solar Flare comes up behind him. It's shaking, looking at his hands and stomach with wide terrified eyes.

"It's okay. I'm okay."

He whispers, and it seems to help somewhat. The SCP relaxes the tiniest amount, then looks his hands over, tilting them this way and that. It's assessing the damage, and he couldn't be prouder.

"Just need to fix it up. You can patch it up okay?"

Solar Flare nods, before seemingly joining in on the argument.

The newcomers seem startled by its presence, going to argue before it finally seems to kick in that they're looking at their family.

Their expression changes, tears gathering in their eyes, as they call for their father. Killcode, of course, answers.

Solar Flare doesn't join the happy reunion, instead helping him up and guiding him out the room.

It doesn't even look back.

***

"You're angry at them."

It's more an observation than a question, but Solar Flare does stop for a moment, as if considering.

"Yes."

They simply agree, continuing to clean his wounds.

They've not talked much since leaving the containment room. Their silence while not unusual, has a different quality to it that makes him worried. He hasn't seen that tense cant to their shoulders since they fell on top of him.

It wasn't long after they left their room that Solar Flare simply picked him up. He did not protest. It looked like it needed it.

He wasn't worried when they arrived at his office instead of the med bay, seeing as it has become their practice room, and has been filled with so many medical equipment he sometimes feared it'd be mistaken for a hospital.

While it usually made him grumble in annoyance, it did have its perks.

His hands will need replacing, but he's not going to worry them about it when bandaging them seems to help Solar Flare to feel better. He can deal with that discretely. He already sent the request for replacements, because as stupid as it is, his hands can't properly work without all their functions, machinery much too sensitive. A minor issue could result in catastrophic efficiency issues, and his claws missing was not that. He's lucky they don't constantly shake.

His abdomen needed to be opened more, a couple wires needing to be placed back together. He thinks it freaked his brother out. Thankfully that was first on the to do list, Solar Flare correctly deciding which injury was more urgent, so he's at least not in that much pain. It's minor enough nanomachines can take care of it.

Even after his hands are bandaged, they continue sitting in silence, him on the desk while Solar Flare's in the chair. He has no idea what to do. This should have been a joyous occasion.

"I'm sorry about Bloodmoon."

That seemed like a pretty apt name.

"Why? You didn't tell them to do it. Unless you want to tell me something?"

It was meant as a joke, but even to his audials it feels weak. Solar Flare pointedly doesn't smile.

It seems to tense though, and Eclipse is hit by the horrifying realisation they're about to cry. He's helpless to stop it.

Their shoulders start shaking, eyes glitching as they reach for him, burying their head in his torso.

He can do nothing, but hold them as they cry, broken keens leaving their voicebox.

He hates that sound.

***

Things are tense when he returns to his room for the night.

Solar Flare hasn't left his side since the attack, glued to him like some baby koala. They seem to have the unshakable desire to be constantly in contact with him, holding his hand or shoulder or waist or whatever.

They're too quiet.

At some point their eyes turned to angry rings, and haven't changed to anything else since. But they aren't angry at him. That's surprising.

He feels bad for somehow ruining this. Maybe it was the tungsten rod or maybe just his general aura, but he screwed up somewhere. He just has to figure out what, so he can solve the issue for Solar Flare's sake.

Even as he changes, they won't let him leave their line of sight, almost obsessively making sure they're within arm's reach. Like they're making sure they can get to him fast.

He doesn't expect trouble however, fairly sure Killcode will stay with his newly freed children. It's only natural.

He sits on the bed leaning on the headboard, and something in him wants to cry. He doesn't let it happen.

The bed dips next to him and then a strong arm wraps around his shoulders, pressing him into a familiar warm side. He sighs in what could be interpreted as relief, head leaning on the other's shoulder.

They still don't talk, both of them just looking out of their heads. He wonders why Solar Flare's still here.

But he can't help admitting it is nice to just exist like this, no expectation and no having to deal with people who want him dead. It's refreshing.

"They're stupid."

"What?"

"Bloodmoon. They're very stupid."

"Sure bud"

"Very, very stupid."

"There a reason why you're telling me this? This is their first night out, you can't already rant about having had enough of your siblings."

That seems to raise his animosity, hand tightening where he holds Eclipse.

"I've had enough of just two."

Well, they can't have that.

"Look, we've always known there were going to be complications."

It stubbornly turns its head away, as if not looking at him means not having to acknowledge his words. How cute.

"And besides, from their point of view they've been locked in there for an indetermined amount of time, two of their family disappeared, and then there was some guy poking a fucking rod in there. Of course they attacked."

"Why do you take this so easy?"

He chuckles, but there's no mirth.

"This is not my first tango Flare."

They tilt their head at that, seemingly surprised by the nickname. He'll admit it was a pretty heat of the moment thing, but he won't take it back. Not when their shoulders finally drop.

"They should have known father would ask for help from those outside."

"They didn't know if he was outside"

"Please stop trying to excuse the person who wanted you dead."

He pokes at their side, earning a strangled gasp before clawed hands swat, gently, at the offending limb.

"Even if they continue trying to kill me, it was worth it."

They go deathly still, looking down at him like he's mad. Maybe he is. Just not for the reason it thinks for.

"They're your family. You've missed them. So this was all worth it. If you get a bit of more hands-on experience then that's just bonus."

It continues staring at him, eyes doing that weird thing again that seems to happen when it's touched by something.

For some reason its hand finds his upper back.

***

They sleep alone that night, a rare occurrence, but when he asked about it Solar Flare only said Killcode was helping the twins, huh, settle in.

They don't seem happy with that, and they seem mighty displeased when after a stilted breakfast, he takes it back to their containment chamber. They seem to bristle especially when he says he'll be in the room with them, checking in.

They appear almost petulant as they walk in, and when Eclipse freezes for a brief moment by the intensity of Bloodmoon's heated stare, he finds himself looking at Solar Flare's back. It's hissing at its siblings, but doesn't say anything.

Killcode perks up by their presence, trotting up to the glass to wave him over. He cautiously makes his way over, continuously looking between his cream-coloured shadow and the red menaces. This is not good.

When he makes his way to the glass, before he can greet his father, the twins shove their way there, throwing themselves at the wall separating them with a roar. They seem intent to harm him.

This time he doesn't flinch back, gives no reaction to the raging beasts. Let them be like that. He knew this was coming.

"Good morning Killcode! Hope you weren't too inconvenienced by yesterday's display."

"Child, are you alright?"

"More than fine, I assure you. Solar Flare please stop trying to kill your siblings."

The twins have since moved on to their sibling, but upon being greeted by animosity, they were quick to glower back.

"I only have one older brother now."

That engulfs the room in silence.

Bloodmoon seems to understand what was said, because their expression falls. They look like they've just been kicked by it, and he fears they're going to cry.

He turns towards Killcode, hoping the SCP can deal with the situation, but wide eyes stare back at him. The silent communication between them says one thing. Neither of them have any idea on how to fix this.

Apparently being satisfied by disowning its brother, Solar Flare turns towards Killcode.

"Some of Eclipse's wires were severed, thankfully nothing major. His hands aren't fine even now. I was hoping a night's rest would improve them, but they aren't as stable as before."

That seems to worry the giant nightmare, who lets out a sad little whine. He looks back at Eclipse like some sad puppy, and he fears the glass is in danger of breaking. He can already hear the distinct stress of tiny cracks forming, and with the murderous entities currently sharing the cell, he's scared to find out what'd happen should it break.

"Please it's fine! My hands will be fine! Just need a bit of time, okay?"

He holds them up in a pacifying gesture, hoping Killcode will cease trying to accidentally kill him. Bloodmoon's glaring pretty hard at him right now.

The SCP seems to recognise the problem as well, leaning back from the glass. Instead, he sits down, frowning as he's no doubt trying to figure out how to make his kids play nice again.

They have elder siblings, and a middle child. There's at least a little sibling left.

It'd be better to know how many of Killcode's kids are still in there, but he'll take what he can get for the moment.

And on top of an unknown number of children, there's at least two brothers. So, tack on an unknown amount of brothers too. There's been no talk of sisters thankfully.

Working while he'd been stared at was discomforting enough, but being murderously glared at is worse. He feels like his every movement is judged, which is a terribly familiar feeling. He doesn't let it get to him.

Their opinion of him doesn't matter.

***

Now the tension is not just between Bloodmoon and Solar Flare, but between Killcode and Bloodmoon, and Solar Flare and Killcode too.

The siblings seem to be arguing, if Solar Flare ignoring an angry Bloodmoon counts as arguing, Solar Flare is dissatisfied with its father's behaviour clearly ignoring he's keeping its brother in check, and by this point Killcode seems to be arguing with Bloodmoon as well, clearly displeased by their behaviour.

It all results with varying behaviours towards his person.

Killcode seems immensely worried about him, but clearly unsure how to reach out and let him know it's okay. He rarely spends time with him now, the duty of keeping the twins in check having fallen solely on him. Eclipse makes sure he knows he understands, and is thankful for not being mauled yet.

Solar Flare has become a helicopter-sibling, always hanging around him like a bodyguard. His tagalong is noticed of course, but no one can do anything about it. He continues with what Eclipse believes to be childish behaviour, somewhat ignoring his father as well. It's stupid.

Bloodmoon continues to become more and more aggressive towards him, apparently both AIs deciding he deserves death. Not the first time someone had the same reaction.

It results with everyone unhappy, and in the middle of it all is none other than Eclipse.

He's of course handling it well and without stress. He's taking it all well and continues to be professional even in the face of adversity. He's not at all worried. He totally doesn't think this sucks.

He wishes he could fool himself.

***

Working while snide comments were thrown at him in a language he barely understood was not fun.

Although it's much too generous to say the insults were thrown at him. Bloodmoon hadn't talked to him yet in the two weeks they've been out. He doesn't feel like talking with them anyway, so no problems there.

The problems are Killcode not leaving the glass cage in all this time visibly looking more and more exhausted, and Solar Flare almost never being in the glass cage and looking more and more exhausted. They're both going to crash, and he doesn't want that. They don't deserve it.

If he could he'd help somehow, but unless he ceases to exist he doesn't think anything will change.

Now there's a thought

***

Solar Flare didn't wake up this morning.

He's aware it's been staying awake at night, keeping guard most likely. It seemed to catch up with it now, exhaustion finally overriding protective instincts.

He lets it sleep in his bed, doing his best to arrange all the blankets and pillows in the facsimile of a nest. His is not as nice as Killcode's, but it'll have to do.

After a bit of inner screaming, he quickly leans down to press a kiss to its forehead.

Before it can stir he's already gone, coattails flapping in his wake.

***

"Your hanger-on ain't here with'cha?"

Breakfast has been refreshingly talkative so far, which was nice compared to the quiet that invaded it when Solar Flare shadowed him. He still didn't expect a question to be directed at him.

"Nah. He's sleeping finally."

"Good. Kid's looked terrible these last couple'a days."

That was an understatement. Solar Flare's been staring blankly in front of itself unfocused for a while now, reaction time so hilariously off Eclipse had to tease him.

They endured it with the patience of someone not understanding they were being messed with. It was immensely amusing.

"Welp, this was fun, but I gotta go now. Keep up the good work and don't die."

Some chuckle, an older coyote raising her glass in a toast.

"I'll drink to that!"

"You drink to anything."

He leaves before he could be somehow roped into the conversation, waving to his bear friend and the doggo kid.

***

Killcode's visibly swaying from exhaustion.

It's a worrying sight, and he thinks the ancient SCP should just fall asleep by this point. Who cares if Eclipse gets a bit chewed on?

His everything is so off he doesn't notice Eclipse until he's standing right in front of him, and even then it takes him a second to comprehend it's his supplement son in front of him.

When he does, he erupts into loopy joy, which clearly bothers his children sitting right next to him, and simultaneously amuses and worries Eclipse.

He looks ready to fall over.

It's not only him who notices.

Pentagram eyes turn towards him, saying one message. Soon

He makes sure to empty out everyone, stressing that they should all lock their doors tonight, even if they don't live on site.

He too leaves early, sleepy murmurs and a wicked grin being his only goodbyes.

He can't help but shudder.

***

He secludes himself for the rest of the day in his office, going over paperwork he's neglected recently. He wants to be done with it today, so he plans on pulling an all-nighter if he has to. He's not sure he could sleep anyway

He's worried Solar Flare hasn't popped up yet to be anxious around him, but he figures they need the sleep. He'll check in on them later.

By this point he hates anything paper, but there's still a sizeable stack next to him. He groans pressing his face into the desk.

Only a couple more hours to go.

***

He finishes well into the night, hating life but mostly himself.

He curses his tardiness, knowing if he sat down to write the stupid forms on time he'd have had fewer things to do today. But alas, he can't change it now, no matter how much he wants to go back in time and punch his past self.

The corridors are strangely quiet, but he dismisses it as the late hour.

Guards this time around are more discreet, being careful of their colleagues who live here. It's the basic decency, but he still feels like he has to applaud humans for achieving at least this much.

He doesn't think anything's wrong until a figure steps out before him.

He instantly recognises the red, even before those pentagrams burn into him. Despite their shorter size, they seem to tower over him, even from a distance.

That wicked smile with those fingers sharpening doesn't spell anything good for him.

Before they can do any of their posturing, he turns tail and books it.

He hears insane cackling behind him, but it's not like him running will make a difference. They seem keen on destroying him, freeing their family of whatever influence they think he has over them.

Their footsteps pound behind him. Bloodmoon doesn't try to mask their presence like Killcode. They're loud and they're self-assured, certain of their victory.

He's mad to admit he's scared.

There's no Killcode nor Solar Flare to stop what's going to happen. It's inevitable.

He feels them right on his tail, even with him using all his cheap tactics to try shaking them off. Sudden turns only inconvenienced them, throwing his coat mostly annoyed them. He couldn't escape. He couldn't run.

Just as he's about to take a corner, he feels their fingers brush his upper back, and he's insanely happy he had that stupid skyhook removed. He hears a sound of surprise, and as he turns he sees them frozen to the spot, eyes wide as they stare at him. There's something horrified in their gaze.

His advantage doesn't last long, only a couple meters before they're back to chasing him. This time they're silent.

That's dangerous.

He makes it to an intersection before they pounce.

He's knocked to the ground with an oof, and then gets violently turned around.

Facing his future executioners is jarring in a way he didn't expect. Their smile is gone, expression serious as they study him.

They put pressure on his upper body, pressing him deeply to the floor. He huffs in discomfort, but otherwise doesn't react. He's too busy staring wide opticked at them.

After a couple more seconds of strangely insistent pressing, they let up. Their grin is back.

He starts trashing, trying to buck them off their perch on his body, and it does work. They get dislodged, letting out a surprised gasp, and he tries running again.

They grab his leg, claws sinking in so deep he feels as if they came out the other side and he screams.

He gets dragged back under them, but he won't go down without a fight.

He kicks them in the shins, but sadly that doesn't do anything aside from a groan of pain, and then they're kneeling on his legs, tearing their hand from his leg, and he can see his oil drip from their fingers.

It creates a strange contrast against their red casing.

They seem mighty pleased with themselves, grin widening until it splits their face in half. Their wide eyes stare into his soul, and he feels as if they'll drag him to hell.

'Maybe somewhere worse' he thinks as their hands slowly, almost teasingly, run over his stomach up to his chest, before sliding down again.

They lean closer, showing off their teeth as they continue optic contact.

Then their fingers begin pressing down.

He squirms in discomfort, grabbing at their arms to try and stop them, but it's useless, and before he knows it they've pierced his casing.

He screams as their fingers slide through him as if he were nothing but melted butter, and he can feel every agonising snap of a wire as they continue their unhindered merry exploration.

But as quick as it began, it stops.

He's left panting and wheezing on the ground, shaking as he weakly pushes at their elbows to leave.

He doesn't realise they've gone strangely still again until a minute has passed, but in his defence they did just stab him. He's in pain, and a couple warnings about severed connections and leaking oil fill his vision.

Despite them, he can see their flabbergasted expression as they stare at him.

They end up looking at each other for a good few minutes, them with their hands still buried in him, and him with his hands still wrapped around them.

It's a strange quiet that falls upon them.

"You are soft. Casing weaker than most. "

This is the first time they ever spoke to him.

"Course I am" he gasps "I was a daycare attendant"

"Daycare attendant? "

"I was made to take care of children. I was terrible at it but still."

They seem to consider this, looking at him with a conflicted expression. They seem to come to a decision.

He wheezes and gasps as those hands are carefully pulled from his body, tensing then collapsing with the same vent. Everything hurts right now.

"No skyhook, and soft casing. What magic is he well learned in? He bewitched our family! We can't let it end in tragedy. "

He shivers as they speak at the same time, or maybe he's just shivering in general. He does have a hole in him.

"I know no magic!"

That shocks them.

"No magic? Then how—?!"

"Killcode approached me. I guess with my uncannily similar looks I was good candidate for replacement."

This stuns them. They stare both at him and then around them, seeming to realise they've done something bad.

"Oh we are really in it now brother! We seemed to have fucked up my dear other! "

They're glancing around like a child hoping their parent isn't nearby. The sudden switch is amusing in a morbid way.

They turn back to him when he tries moving and only groans, seeming to realise the damage isn't something they can just hide.

"Get up magicman!" magic what? "We said get up! Stop lying there like some weak morsel and get up!" they start insistently pulling at him, only making his pain worse "Stand! "

"Oh go fuck yourselves"

While his legs fall under him, they're too weak to hold him up. He ends up collapsing, letting out a pathetic whine as he falls face first into the cold unforgiving floor.

They stand above him, unsure what to do.

"Is he truly this fragile? Didn't seem so when he's so agile. Maybe he's the type to run? But in that where's the fun?"

His audials start ringing, and his vision has spots in them. He hopes it's just dirt from the floor and not serious system damage.

He can't move, he realises pretty fast, and he comes to this conclusion much faster than Bloodmoon does. Their expression looks grim.

They reach for him, stopping as he flinches back, before they grit their teeth and pull him into their arms. They carry him around, clearly lost, and in his current condition he's not much help.

They wander back the way they came, which is good because that's where the living quarters are. He wants to sleep for a week.

As they pass a corridor he has perfect view of the bloody massacre that took place there. Corpses are strewn across the floor, missing chunks of them. He doesn't have the time to try and find the missing pieces. He's thankful for that much at least.

There're frantic footsteps echoing in front of them, and Bloodmoon visibly perks up, before shrinking back down as a visibly wrathful Solar Flare turns the corner. It stops, scanning them, something deep within them seeming to relax when he blinks back at it, then they're rushing forward.

It plucks him from their arms, shouldering past them back towards his office. Back where the medical supplies are.

"Solar Flare wait—!"

"Don't talk to me."

They sound cold.

It clutches at Eclipse like he'd disappear any moment, yet he still has the perfect angle to see their devastated expression. They look lost and small in the middle of the huge corridor.

"It's fine"

The twins seem surprised by that, clearly having heard him. Something shatters even more in their expression.

Solar Flare only ignores the comment.

They still fall in step with their younger sibling, trying and failing to hide their hurt as it continues turning away.

He didn't want this to happen.

"Solar Flare really, I'm okay—"

"You have a hole in you. A hole where I already patched you up. This is going to take long to heal."

He falls quiet after that.

He feels exhausted, and his shift is about to begin in two hours. Joy

Killcode's standing outside his office door, looking frazzled and tired. He clearly didn't get enough sleep, and this emergency on top of everything that's been going sideways seemed to have aged him more.

He lets out a sigh of relief when he sees Eclipse's alive, before rounding on his children.

The last thing he sees before the door closes is Bloodmoon looking small in the shadow of a towering Killcode.

***

He's not allowed to leave his room in the upcoming days, only communicating with the world via his inbuilt phone.

His higher-ups are understanding but worried, his animatronic colleagues are going bonkers with all the get well wishes and their constant nagging, and one Jack Bright slid into his dms to personally wish him well. He attached a whole shipment notice too, apparently having taken it upon himself to get him a get well present.

It's touching.

What's not touching is Solar Flare's continued shunning of their siblings, and Killcode's seeming self-blame at the whole situation, like he should have done better instead of falling asleep. It's ridiculous.

Worst is Bloodmoon who hasn't left the glass cage since.

It's getting on his nerves by this point, especially when the two SCPs now constantly with him have become so overbearing that he feels the threads of his patience snap.

But they're looking more and more exhausted, so he only needs to wait.

With the way they're going, neither resting properly, constantly looking over him, they're going to crash once again.

He need only be patient.

***

It comes the very next day, when he wakes up to two slumbering SCPs.

Solar Flare is kneeling on the ground, upper body leaning on the bed, head cushioned by its folded arms. It looks like it's in a deep sleep.

Killcode is just laying curled up on the ground, not moving an inch. He's kind of concerned.

He gets up from bed, pushes Solar Flare all the way up and tucking him in, then starts the arduous task of fighting Killcode onto the bed.

It goes well, all things considered, but the result is the SCP laying face down on the bed in a hilarious sprawl.

Good enough

And then he turns and leaves.

His stomach area is still sensitive, but in the last week or so it closed up with the help of nanomachines and mostly his brother.

He turns up in the cafeteria, waving to any concerned Foundation member, making his way to the food line.

Lunch uncle and lunch auntie applaud his appearance, clearly happy he's back, and not actually dead in a ditch somewhere. They send him off with warm hugs, a warm flask with his favourite sweetened tea in it, and some sweet bread.

He munches on his breakfast as he walks to no other place but the containment chamber of SCP-13666 and all of its dashes.

He's clearly not expected, but a minor cheer goes to the room as he appears like some long-lost prodigal son. He waves, taking a careful bow, before approaching the glass where a bewildered Bloodmoon sits.

They're clearly wrongfooted he approached them, not expecting their surviving victim to approach after their latest murder attempt. Lucky for them, he's not holding a grudge.

"Morning Bloodmoon"

"... Morning Eclipseman..."

They murmur, looking unsure.

They're clearly trying to discern what he wants from them, and lucky for them, he's feeling generous.

"Your current family situation is worse than abysmal." they bristle "And I want to help fix it."

They gape at him stunned.

"Now though, I'll admit I'm unsure how to proceed."

They blink at him owlishly, clearly lost for words.

"Best situation would probably be to spend some time together and hope they calm down. If nothing else, I can try analysing your interactions with your family and go from there."

He expected more of a reaction from his proposal. Instead, they only stare at him in discomfort.

"We tried to rip you to shreds. Rip and tear that we wanted! Paint the walls in pretty black! But now you approach with a plan. Why? "

He thinks about it.

"Call it pity, call it me trying to... What was it again? Ah yes. Trying to bewitch you." they twitch "But it's really just me trying to help those two. And well, you're the unfortunate key to that."

They seem to mull it over.

"I speak with other."

He shrugged, leaning back as he took a swing of tea.

He didn't expect them to start bashing their head against the ground.

It startles him so bad he starts choking, throwing the scalding liquid back out. It's not only humiliating, but also disgusting, and he liked that tea!

After about half a minute of self-harm? abuse? violence? speaking apparently??? they turn back to him with a frown.

"Fine. But any funny business and we take those pretty gold eyes."

"You have a deal."

***

"What is this? You said you lacked magic!"

"That's because I do. It's called technology. It runs by electricity. No magic involved. It was made by completely magicless humans. You know, like I already explained."

They hold the phone like it's going to bite them, two fingers clasped around the very top. Poor thing.

The phone he bought with Solar Flare has since been decorated by three charms, one a dark black coffee charm for Killcode, one orange kitty charm for Solar Flare, and an orange weirdly enough. He has no idea why that last one's on, but it's cute.

"It's not alive. It won't try eating you."

"But why do we need to learn it? It makes no sense! It's a bright glowing rectangle!"

It slips out before he can stop it.

"Gee, you know what a rectangle is?"

Several things happen at once.

First, they growl at him as they lightly shove him.

Second, he cackles at their childish reaction.

Third Killcode and Solar Flare burst into the room.  

The twins immediately freeze with their hand still up, fingers wholly curling against the phone on the other one as panic flashes in their eyes. It's not unfounded, because their family glares at them, but Eclipse can't stop laughing.

"Holy fuck! You're worse than Killcode!"

They immediately turn towards him, cheeks somehow reddening.

"Shut up! "

"Do you need me to pull up that manual again?"

"Ecliiipse! "

They're whining now. He giggles at the sound.

"My children... is everything alright?"

He waves them both off, ignoring Solar Flare's death glare and Killcode's semi disapproving frown.

"Don't worry. I'm just teaching them about the phone. Been at it for the whole day. Only thing that seemed to stuck is pulling up gory horror movies."

When it was decided on this very morning after their talk that they're going to attempt spending it together, truth be told, he was worried. Bloodmoon was also filled with nervous energy, and in the first five minutes they awkwardly stared at each other.

Then he decided it'd be best if he familiarised them with technology, so he invited them to his office. The walk there was filled with stilted attempts at conversation, and he felt like all his worries were confirmed in one fell swoop.

After their reaction to the computer was to try and bite the monitor, he truly lost all hope. But then a beautiful idea blossomed in his head.

While he was bedridden, he eavesdropped on his family talking while they thought he was out, and he overheard they like eating flesh. At the time he immediately thought back to the bodies of the unfortunate security, and it made him feel sick.

But then and there, he decided to try something. After all, their name was Bloodmoon.

He pulled out a basic zombie movie, feeling funny at the semi jab at the animatronic-esque entities next to him, but when he was met with unfiltered enthusiasm, he decided to continue indulging them.

They watched a couple movies, bonding over their love for horror and the unconventional.

They both seemed to like zombie movies, even if for entirely different reasons, they both liked movies where lots of humans died, even if they weren't horror, for reasons that were worryingly similar, and they both agreed that aside from the first movie, the entire Jurassic Park/World movies were stupid and unrealistic. They also realised they were both rooting for the monsters, or dinosaurs, and then realised they both liked good villains.

It seemed to be a pleasant surprise for them both, day quickly getting sidetracked for a movie marathon.

It was strangely fun, and he ended up cackling at their comments, even if they weren't always thought out.

When he noticed it was already almost the next day, he figured he'd finally move over to what he actually wanted to do with them, and decided to attempt the phone, seeing as it was in use fairly often, and also immensely practical.

He didn't expect their old man energy though.

They interacted with it like they were scared, but at least they could pull up movies. That they could do almost immediately.

He'll admit he enjoyed himself, and maybe got less scared. They seemed to have relaxed too.

A tentative smile began to form on Killcode's face, and maybe Bloodmoon blossomed a bit.

***

Hanging out with them become something of the norm.

Because their younger sibling was still angry with them and their father was being way too careful, they ended up spending time with Eclipse.

It was only natural, seeing as the human staff was scared of them.

"And you're actually kind of fun! " they claimed.

They reminded him of a cat, especially when they brought him a random dead bird one day.

"Ugh... Very nice... Thank you..?"

They seemed to light up, preening before turning around and leaving like nothing happened.

Now he was sitting in his office, with a dead bird still bleeding on his desk.

What was his life?

***

Solar Flare was finally back in the glass cube. They're still angry, but they did seem to calm a bit.

Killcode also calmed, looking mighty pleased that his 'kids' were getting along. He was back to his happy rumbling, nuzzling anyone and anything so long as they were celestial shaped. It was amusing.

Bloodmoon also seemed more relaxed than he's ever seen them in the month and a half since they've been out. They were curious about him, and his work, seeming to light up when he explained he was here to help.

They apologised rather awkwardly for maiming him twice, and he let it go.

They kind of reminded him of a child.

Currently he was rushing around, ordering people left and right to see if the barrier has actually calmed down, and they're not just experiencing a group hallucination.

SCP-13666's white wall isn't as burning as it was, and he's unsure if it has to do with the bloodred indicator now flashing, or with the contraption actually being alive and either giving up or preparing for a final stand, but it's progress yet again. Forward or backward, it's yet to be seen.

He's so busy he almost doesn't catch Bloodmoon turning to Killcode. Almost

"Eclipseman's missing his skyhook. Why?"

He doesn't understand the answer, but he thinks he hears the word humans.

He's not sure what to make of the disgusted expression on their face.

***

He finally has the room all to himself. Finally

It's been a while.

He didn't bother with changing, seeing as he only had enough energy to collapse on the bed face first. It's been a long day.

He worms his way under the blankets, infinitely grateful for the soft safe heaven.

He pings the lights, eternally happy technology has advance to this level, and lets out a soft sigh of contentment. Finally, sleep. Blissful unawareness.

He's already halfway to dreamland when he hears weird scratching noises at his door, but he ignores them. He's too tired to care.

He doesn't register anything after that, processor already half-shutdown.

"Eugh!"

He chokes as something heavy lands on top of him, and before he can properly turn his optics back on, his face is being batted at. He flails around, grabbing at his attacker.

"Bloodmoon?!"

They're looking down at him in amusement, the fuckers. Their eyes seem to sparkle, quite literally now that he pays a bit more attention, and they're the epitome of cat who got the cream. Also, quite literally.

In their mouth is something he doesn't want to find out, but he's powerless to stop them as they lean down and spit out whatever they were carrying.

"What?"

They pat him on the shoulder, then get up and leave.

They left him, with a dead bird.

A dead bird, they kindly spat out on top of him while he was in his bed.

Gross

What's he supposed to do with this?

***

He gets multiple questioning glances as he throws a dead bird in the trash, but his stormy expression stops anyone from approaching.

He already went to bed late last night, but then he had to stay up an additional hour as he cleaned up the blood spatters. He wants to scream.

He's feeling murderous, and he's going to strangle them with their own stupid nightcap when he gets his hands on them.

Speaking of hands, his replacements have been delayed, which he only learned today. When the procedure was supposed to happen.

It's a shitty morning to a shitty night on top of a shitty week, and it's only Tuesday. Kill him.

Screw killing Bloodmoon. He's too tired for that.

He drags his sorry scrap of a frame to SCP-13666's containment room somehow, but he wishes he didn't. What greets him is a mess, but this time the SCPs seemingly had nothing to do with it. They're looking in on disbelief same as he is.

When people notice his presence, everyone simultaneously turns to look at him, speaking over each other.

"Dr Eclipse! Is it true that—"

"—ue a war machine! Ridiculou—"

"—matronics' Rights Movement killed people—"

"—CP-001 is an interdimensional being that's going to kill us all—"

"—man flesh! They eat human fle—"

He has no idea what's going on. He has no idea what the argument's about, when everyone's talking about something else. He's not prepared for this. These are adults. Humanity's last bastion of hope.

He blinks. Then he just stands there, dumbstruck.

What do you do when people you're the higher up of argue about completely different topics?

"What?"

It's a very eloquent reply, and he lightly smacks the side of his head, fearing his hearing is somehow ruined. Or is it his language processor?

"What's all this about?"

An impatient scientist bullies their way through the crowd, and he internally groans when he recognises her.

"I told them the truth about your kind."

"...That we eat human flesh?"

She seems to blush at that.

"Well maybe not that."

He rubs at his forehead, and heavily considers turning back to just walk away.

She can solve the situation she caused for herself when she started digging right under herself. It's tempting.

Instead, he lets out a big sigh, because if the baby personnel are this easily misinformed, then they're in trouble. He's not too worried about the older ones, most of them are casually leaning against the wall, clearly enjoying the show.

"One question at a time. Just one "

Baby personnel seem to light up right at the same time, which is creepy.

Multiple raise their hand, like they're in fucking elementary school again, and with a longsuffering groan, he picks the security dog kid, who looks about ready to fall on his colleagues.

"Is it true that you're fifty years old?!"

His tail is wagging excitedly, scratch that, his whole body is wiggling excitedly, and it's kind of amusing.

"More than that actually, but sure."

He gasps. There’re sparks in his optics.

Next he chooses a younger woman.

"Did the Animatronics' Rights Movement kill people?"

"Not to the best of my knowledge, no. They should've taught you about that in school, but this is the USA, so maybe I'm just optimistic."

Next up is a scowling woman.

"She said you are a war machine. You."

He laughs at that.

"Yeah, that's pretty funny actually. Nah. I was built for something else. You can check early models out on the internet you know."

That seems to catch her interest, and she looks happy at this. He understands why when she starts eyeing one of the security guys, an old fox model.

A determined looking young man steps forward.

"SCP-001—"

"Is not my concern. I'd suggest you don't listen to rumours. For your own sake."

His mood obviously droops, but he seems to understand.

"So you don't eat human flesh?"

"No"

"Aww man"

They seem disappointed. What's wrong with that one?

"Any more questions from the peanut gallery?"

They seem to disperse after that, doggo kid coming up for his usual head pats. That's still weird.

With this catastrophe averted he feels exhaustion pulling at him. He desperately craves sleep, but there's just so much to do.

He runs around like a headless chicken instead, trying to stop people from touching the stupid barrier thing.

'Oh now you want to touch it?!'

He fumes as he grabs replacement woman again.

"Leave"

She gapes at him, and he's reminded of a fish.

"No!"

"Yes"

He looms over her, hissing.

"What reason do you—"

"I'm your direct supervisor. I don't need a damn reason to send you away. But if you want to know, incompetency."

Her face goes from angry red to ugly plum colour, and he sneers right back. She's not intimidating at all.

At last, she turns around and storms out, earning glances as she leaves. No one questions his decision.

Good

He rubs at his optics again, and this time he can't ignore the tapping on the glass anymore.

"You need rest my son."

"It's only the middle of my work shift."

"Then take a break. You've been working hard"

"Not yet"

"Think of it as a lunch break. Come son."

Killcode opens the door, startling Bloodmoon with its very presence, because it seems they didn't know about that.

It's clear he won't get out of this.

He sighs, accepting fate, and is not at all surprised when he's pulled to the floor, and the great SCP curls around him.

Solar Flare lumbers over, plopping down in the circle, using Eclipse as a pillow, and even Bloodmoon joins in when they drape over Killcode.

It's nice.

He doesn't remember falling asleep.

***

Hours later he wakes up to quiet.

Workday’s over, people have left. It's peaceful like this, and he honestly prefers this to the constant noise. And the company's better like this too.

Still, he untangles from Solar Flare, lowering their head gently to the floor.

In the dark, only pentagrams greet him.

The twins, for whatever reason, are also awake. They pull away from the cuddle puddle, and motion for him to follow.

He does so hesitantly.

They walk side-by-side, corridors silent this time of the night. Lights are also dimmed, giving an almost sleepy quality to the bland white walls. The Site looks like a different world like this.

They don't speak, and he can feel worries creep in. What do they want?

He's overly tense, much like a spring. At the slightest disturbance he'll bolt.

He thought he was over this. He thought this wouldn't be a problem anymore. They've spent so much time alone, and he thought he finally relaxed. Why is he back to this?

They're at a familiar intersection now and he can feel his throat closing up.

"You needn't fear. That's not why we're here."

So they have been aware of it, dammit! He feels terrible now.

"Don't beat yourself up. We know we've fucked up!"

That's almost said cheerily, but there's no joy. Only choking fear and burdening guilt.

It's tiring to be always afraid.

"We've already said sorry, and you've accepted. All on your own too, kindness unending. But we feel we need to do more. Show you to not fear us."

He doesn't have any idea what they're talking about. He's not kind. Quite the opposite.

"We think it'd be better to just explain. Start anew if we can."

They stop, and he does as well.

"May we? "

He nods. They nod back.

Then they're walking again.

They pass the horrible place where they could have easily killed him. But why didn't they?

"It's shameful to admit... Even more so to feel it."

They seem to gather their strength for what's shaping up to be a confession.

"When we first looked at you... We were afraid." he still doesn't expect that "You looked like us. Like family. So much so that it terrified us. And we thought..."

They stop, eyes looking into nothing.

"We have been locked in there with a trick before... Why wouldn't this be one too?  After all, we didn't think we'd been gone that long. Our anger at them is still fresh."

He's slowed to a stop as well, out of reach, but they don't seem to notice him at all. It's like they're not here.

"And we took that out on you. We thought you somehow corrupted them. We didn't stop and think until we were grasping at thin air where..." they don't say anything, and he's left confused "and even then, the realisation only came when we were already hand deep in your internals. We were lucky Solar Flare picked up medicine."

They look at him with a wry smile. Their eyes are tired.

"We are bad at that."

"The thinking we mean."

They suddenly look at the ground like it's the most interesting thing in the world. They're playing with their fingers, tapping and bending them against each other. It's a strange look on them, brash and hot-headed Bloodmoon.

"We should have been thinking. But we didn't. And in the process, we hurt you. So, sorry."

They look as small as they actually are compared to him.

He finds that feels wrong.

"It's fine."

He means it a little more this time

***

They end up wandering all night long in the end. It's peaceful.

They don't talk much, but that's not a problem. Sometimes simply existing next to one another is better than words.

When they hear panicked footsteps, they both turn there, unsurprised to see Solar Flare holding onto the corner.

It seems to look over Eclipse specifically, and when it finds nothing out of the ordinary, it relaxes.

It then nods at them both, before leaving.

Bloodmoon's expression as they turn towards him is everything.

***

They are spider-crawling on his office's ceiling.

He knows this, because they're currently locked in a staring-contest. He thinks they're winning.

"Why are you up there?"

"It's fun!"

Well okay then

"You gonna come down or?"

They twist their lower body a complete one eighty, freaky, and then just drop down. Show off

They saunter up to him, hopping on the desk like they own it. He's happy they're back in high spirits, but why are they bothering him? Also, he was working on those papers.

"Do you have games on your phone? "

What

"What"

"Games. On the phone."

Why would they

"Yes..?"

They seem to light up at that, making grabby hands towards his person. He's flabbergasted, but he does reach into his pocket.

"Why do you want my phone?"

The indication is clear. Even they pick up on it.

They appear bashful, cheeks tinting in that weird way only they seem able to do. They mumble something he doesn't quite catch.

"Louder please?"

They growl in annoyance. Only his iron self-control stops him from flinching.

"We said the games on the family phone suck!"

Are they pouting?

They cross their arms, much like a child but then just freeze weirdly. Their face does something new, those purplish-blueish anime lines appearing on their forehead. They straighten out, back in a proper position.

"Your taste in movies is good. So we thought..."

...

"You are in luck. I have a couple horror games on the old thing."

They grin wide, shimmying towards him in their excitement. He gives his phone up easily. He knows they're aware phones are delicate, so he doesn't worry they'll break it should they get frustrated.

When they slide off the desk, he's relieved they'll leave. But then they turn towards him and he doesn't have time to react before they're forcing their way into the chair with him.

"Hey—!"

"Oh hush! "

Somehow the chair doesn't collapse under them.

***

When his unofficial righthand walks in, they freeze in their tracks as they notice Bloodmoon. He raises a non-existent eyebrow at them.

They end up giving their slightly stilted update, then essentially run from the room. It's amusing.

If the snickers are anything to go by he's not the only one who's amused.

He doesn't notice at first how Bloodmoon's leaning into him more.

***

"We are bored!"

"Good for you"

They groan, dramatically rolling around on the ground. When he doesn't even look up, they huff in annoyance.

They've had this same song and dance a couple times now, and he's infinitely amused by their antics. They seem to act immaturely, but then randomly stop with something like a guilty expression.

Strangely, it seems to happen less and less the more they're around him.

He taps his pen on the desk, barely computing the words he's supposed to be reading. He's past the point of caring about his paperwork for the day, but contrary to popular belief, he does learn from past experiences. Avoiding work for long will only bite him in the ass.

Suddenly red is all he sees, and he feels the pen slip from him.

"Hey!"

The gremlins only snicker, skittering up his wall.

"Bloodmoon give that back!"

They have stars in their eyes, shit-eating grin wide as they look down on him.

"Come down now or I swear!"

"Ooh~ Does the Eclipseman wish to fight? Or will you take such petty slight? "

He grits his teeth, hands forming fists. The slight tremble in his form barely has something to do with anger.

"I literally can't fight you without my claws."

They seem disappointed by that.

"Such a shame. A friendly spar as a game! Brother stop trying to convince him. Sorry other, got a bit too excited!"

Sparring?

Now that he thinks about it, that makes sense. It's such a Bloodmoon thing to do, and he can see Killcode enjoying a challenge once in a while as well.

"I've never sparred before anyway. I doubt I could be of challenge."

"It's not about the challenge!" they seem almost offended "It's to know the person on a deeper level! What other way can you learn fast if not through action? "

From them that makes sense.

But it did give him an idea

"Give me back my pen and I'll show you a different method."

They eye him for a bit, then seem to think about it. They speak with other, if them banging their hand on their head is anything to go by.

"Fine! But no tricks!"

"No tricks at all bud"

He gets the pen back. Even if they did throw it at him before running away cackling.

Gremlins

It's a fonder thought than it should be.

***

He invites them back to his office, which seems to be their main hangout area.

The ancient radio is safely laid on the desk, and he brought out one of his more energetic CDs. He thinks Bloodmoon might enjoy rock. Maybe even metal.

They're vibrating out of their casing, clearly excited for what he promised. They're looking at him nervously though.

"You know how to dance?"

They look confused, a literal question mark on their forehead.

"Like the shamans do? "

"Wh- You know what? Never mind. No, not exactly what shamans do."

They relax at that, and Eclipse lets out a chuckle.

"Not keen on jumping around a fire?"

"It looks stupid!"

He only shakes his head, before tugging at their arms. This surprises them enough that they go without a fight.

He pops in the CD, letting the music play as he arranges them in a mirror image of what he did with Solar Flare.

"I'm gonna start okay? Please don't step on my leg."

Then he begins moving.

They let out a cut off whine, but quickly fall into step with him.

It seems to come more naturally for them, even if they're clearly unsure of the unfamiliar motions.

Before long, they're laughing with him, swinging around in quick circles. The world blurs from their sheer speed, the music slowly fading into background as all that matters is the movement.

When they collapse on the ground in a heap of exhausted giggles, he doesn't shake off the arms that sneak around him.

***

"Are you alright?"

He turns to look at his littlest brother.

"Why wouldn't I be Solar Flare?"

It looks away.

"I'm worried. You got over the attack too quick."

Ah. That.

While infinitely better, the relationship between Bloodmoon and Solar Flare is still strained. It appears as if neither party is entirely sure how to interact with the other, one still being angry and the other still too afraid of rejection.

Eclipse and Killcode have come to the agreement it's best to just let them work this out, but they might need a little push.

"Solar Flare, have you ever thought it happened because maybe Bloodmoon was scared?"

That seems to stun them. Solar Flare looks at their hands, but from the complicated switcharoo, they're unsure.

"Bloodmoon's never afraid."

"Well why not?"

They don't seem to have a good answer to that. They look small and lost.

He sighs, putting down what he was working on, then hugs his wayward little sibling.

"Is it because they've never faltered in the face of danger before?"

They nod, but then seem to stop. They consider, then shake their head.

"Whenever we were scared of something, and father and uncles were unavailable, they were always there to calm us down. They always told us there was nothing to fear because they'd eat the nightmares."  

There's silence. They don't know how to continue.

"So larger than life Bloodmoon being scared is unimaginable?"

They nod.

"That's okay, we can work on that. They're people too. They deserve to express their feelings."

Solar Flare's shoulders drop a bit.

"Hey, it's okay. You didn't do anything wrong by not noticing. When we look up to someone it's hard to imagine anything negative affecting them."

That does seem to make it feel better.

Later when he spies Bloodmoon and Solar Flare talking without a hitch, he only smiles to himself.

It's good to have the family back together.

***

Killcode's already cooking in his room when he gets back. So far, he seems to be the only one here.

Whatever he's making smells delicious, and he can't wait to taste it.

"You should shower child."

He groans. Trust his father to somehow sense him even when he's actively blending something. He was all quiet too!

"Sure, sure"

A shower did sound like a good idea. And it was.

When he's finished he feels refreshed, ready to take on a moderate amount of challenges.

"How was your day?"

"Tiring. Idiots were even more unbearable, and someone set my usual spot in the cafeteria on fire. Completely by accident too."

Killcode hums, well used to the antics of his colleagues. He seems to be in an exceptionally good mood today.

"Then finally had a talk with SCP-049. He was curious about that one time I hid in his room. He was more amused than anything thankfully, so it was fine. Poor sod's been asking for me for a long time now."

"It has been over two months"

It almost feels like a lifetime ago.

He plops down on the couch, grabbing one of his mystery novels. He's happy this book hasn't disappeared on him yet. Solar Flare's been stealing them.

"I'm making triple chocolate cake."

Fuck yeah!

"It won't be done today."

Oh come on!

He tries to ignore his disappointment by reading. It works.

He's lost in the book by the time dinner’s called, and that's when he notices it's only them tonight. Apparently Bloodmoon and Solar Flare are hanging out.

That's good.

And it is rather nostalgic when it's just the two of them cuddling up in bed.

***

He didn't think the next day would find him precariously balanced on Bloodmoon's shoulders as he tries to unstick the butter they somehow threw up there. Solar Flare panicking in the background doesn't help the situation.

Killcode's still sleeping, which is great because the SCP would flip if he saw what happened with his precious cooking supply.

During the night his siblings stumbled in the room, which awoke him. They ended up talking a bit, and he has no idea what happened after that. Because one moment Bloodmoon was curiously rummaging through the fridge, and then the next he was already throwing orders at the others to somehow get the butter off there before their father awoke and murdered all of them.

That somehow lead to this.

"Scrub harder Eclipseman!"

"Shh! He'll wake up you morons!"

"Both of you cease."

He desperately needed his claws for this. They'd have made everything so much easier. But they were delayed again. Fuck the Foundation.

"What did you even do?"

"We have no idea! "

Well, that's just great

He grabs the offending food item for the nth time in the last couple hours, then heaves with all his might.

For a couple seconds, nothing happens. Then it suddenly flies off, and Eclipse is falling.

He hears the twins curse, but Solar Flare was thankfully right there, so it catches him no problem. They all collectively sigh in relief.

At least the butter's off the ceiling.

When Killcode wakes up twenty minutes later, they're all sitting on the couch like nothing happened.

They don't talk about it.

***

Bloodmoon's sitting on his desk again, swinging their legs.

They're seemingly jumping out of their metal casing in excitement, turning to him with a happy grin when he enters.

He sighs, throwing the stack of paper on the newly acquired coffee table, before walking up to his brothers.

"What can I help you with?"

"We figured proper introductions were in order!"

"Okay..."

Their body ripples strangely, and he's a bit concerned. And then he's very concerned when their chassis splits in the middle, and then he's stumbling back a couple steps because clearly he needs to grab someone, preferably Killcode.

Before he can get very far twin arms reach for him. Two identical looking, unnoticeably smaller Bloodmoons are grinning at him.

"What the fuck!? "

"I am Bloody!"

"And I am Rusty! "

Their eyes scrunch up as they grin, perfectly in sync mirroring the other's head tilt.

"We figured we'd finally introduce ourselves separate."

"It was worth it too! So amusing!"

They're laughing at him. He was getting worried and they're laughing at him. Fucking gremlins.

"Why?"

That one word is a cry for help.

Their grins impossibly widen. They look at each other, then back at him, before they school their faces into faux solemness.

"Now that we know you, we decided it was time."

Rusty nods along sagely. Then they pull some creepy horror twin bullshit, because even like this they speak perfectly in sync.

"We hereby officially give the title of eldest child to you. No take backsies. We'll now go and enjoy the blessing of being a middle child."

And then they leave.

They leave him in the middle of the room gaping, reforming as they go. He hears their laughter long after it fades.

Eldest sibling? Middle child?

What?!

Chapter Text

After two whole months with dysfunctional hands, the replacements have finally come in.

He's been informed of this just as he entered work for the day, pseudo-family lighting up at the sight of him, and he does feel guilty for laughing at their disappointed expressions as he turned around right at that moment.

It was entirely worth it.

His new hands were something of a work of art, boosted precision-wise, boosted speed-wise, all his motor functions better than before. Those were all second next to his new claws.

The feel of them unsheathing was nothing short of addicting, even if they didn't change all that much compared to his last model. They were sharper, more lethal than before, black instead of his red fingertips. This way, everyone would be able to tell if he's pissed.

He skips his way out the repair room, half scaring the technicians he leaves in his wake.

Finally, good hands.

It took the Foundation long enough.

***

"Your hands don't shake anymore."

"Hm? Oh yes. I visited the repair bay."

Solar Flare tilts his head at him.

"Repair bay?"

"Yepp. It's all better now."

It only nods at that, seemingly satisfied.

"So your hands won't shake anymore?"

"Nor twitch, nor tremble!"

It was the closest he'll ever get to an actual cheer. His brother indulgingly claps, before grabbing his wrists.

Eclipse goes easily, fairly certain he knows why they did it. His suspicions get confirmed when they twist it this way and that.

They're very thorough in their examination, not letting any angle, movement, twist nor turn escape their watchful gaze.

There's something almost hopeful in its eyes as it squishes his hands, and when his new claws pop out it seems overjoyed.

Solar Flare holds his hands for the rest of the afternoon, effectively ruining his workhours. But for them he'll let it slide.

If only he didn't have the nagging feeling he forgot something.

***

Solar Flare sadly has some errands to run with Killcode, which is in and of itself terrifying, especially with the added knowledge that they can more than get out of the building. They're going shopping supposedly.

That means he's alone for the night, seeing as Bloodmoon scampered off somewhere, which is good. If he gets those sneaky little freaks in his hands he's going to wring their necks.

Ever since the whole giving over the title of eldest sibling, they didn't have a one on two interaction. Either Killcode or Solar Flare were within shouting distance, and while he thinks his brother would let him get away with it, their father most certainly wouldn't.

But that doesn't mean it won't come. For tonight however, he'll sleep. It'll better help integrate his newest upgrades anyway.

He's just finished with changing into his nightclothes, when there's a knock of all things on his door.

He frowns at it unsure. He wasn't expecting visitors.

He looks down at himself in his oversized uni shirt, made for much thicker animatronics than him, and his sleeping shorts. He's not exactly dressed for guests either.

Another insistent knocking verging on banging startles him. He growls in annoyance, before rolling his eyes.

"I'm coming, geez!"

He stomps to the door, making sure to let his displeasure be known at the interruption, before he wrenches it open.

"Wh—"

He barely opened the door, let alone started the question, when he's snagged around his middle, door slammed shut as he's half carried half pushed onto his bed.

He lets out a disoriented whine, almost certain he'll be murdered, but then the hands on him sneak all the way around, and he's pulled into a metal body.

When his optics refocus, he's met with red.

"Blo—?"

"Hush Eclipseman, it is late. Let night into day fade."

He honestly shouldn't be surprised at this point by SCPs appearing to share a bed with him, but neither Solar Flare nor Killcode have been this pushy in a while. Or well, Killcode hasn't been this pushy in a while and Solar Flare never was. It always asked, even if not with words.

He lifts his head, checking his door, not minding arms tightening around his waist, satisfied once he sees it is closed, then lays back down. Or well, more accurately he lets himself be insistently tugged down.

They purr at him, wrapping around his stomach area as if protecting it. He guesses they are. But they don't seem satisfied, if their sudden frown is anything to go by.

He looks up at them questioningly, before he once again has a front row seat as they split in half.

One twin stays in the exact position they were previously in, while the other slips around, spooning his back as the twins' arms coil around each other as well as him. This way they're protecting him from both ways.

They stay in silence for a bit, the one behind nuzzling his upper back, the other's hands trailing across his stomach, and it's not long before he finds himself batting at them both.

"Mind telling me why you broke into my room?"

"Not just your room Eclipseman. This is the family nest."

So it's Bloody behind him. Great. About as great news as the SCP family apparently stealing his room. Well, he won't need it anyway if he's dead.

"It's still on my name."

"Yes. Family nest."

Whatever

He'll just ignore his grudge until morning for now.

"Just stop with the petting got it? I want to actually sleep."

"Not a fan of pets? "

"Cause is humans if I had to bet."

He shakes his head, grabbing the fluffiest blanket he can reach and throwing it over all of them. The twins don't fuss about it, which is good. Even if they made any existing displeasure known he'd have ignored them.

He fades away in between them, warm and safe.

***

Problems arise the very next morning. First he wakes up to his alarm getting mauled by a panicked Bloody, who was the closest to the poor thing, and Rusty insistently pulling him away from the perceived danger.

By the time he rescues the clock, it's gone. Never to turn back on again.

He lets that one slide, having somewhat expected it due to previous reactions. He simply adds alarm to his shopping list. Again.

Then another problem comes in the shape of the twins being so wired up they don't want to let him out the room. They quite literally growl at him whenever he tries approaching the door, and after too many attempts one simply grabs him and confines him to the couch. Where he's far enough away from both the clock, and the door.

And yet another problem is his higher ups thinking they can solve this issue by sending some security their way.

Needless to say, that ends badly, with one guy having a piece of himself bitten out, and Eclipse thinks that image is permanently seared into his processor. Just like with Killcode, first time sleeping in his room ends in bloodshed.

Only thing stopping them from ripping the guards apart is Eclipse throwing himself between his colleagues and the raging SCP, which he never wants to do again. Bloodmoon doesn't want him to do it again either, if their panicked expression as they redirect their momentum into a wall is anything to go by.

It ends with the guards escaping, even if they leave behind a mess, Eclipse trembling in fear at the too familiar scene of them lunging at him, the twins shaking in what he doesn't know as they grab him and slam the door, and a cracked wall.

It's the shittiest morning he thinks he ever had, and that's saying something when the favourite thing of Killcode and personnel was to play tug o' war with him before Solar Flare. He's glad the large SCP has since calmed down.

He's not too happy about the whole Bloodmoon situation though, and he thinks they feel it as they guiltily look at his wall.

He lets it go, not like he could do anything with the murderous SCP, and instead decides to flash his adequate cooking skills.

The kitchen is a bit big for him, having been sized to Killcode, but he makes ado with the strategic use of their dining table, and a sheer lot of will.

He's incredibly rusty, having last cooked when he owned an apartment, which was a while ago, but that's nothing he can't get past with patience, and a simple enough recipe. Looking at the maniacs who are curiously looking back at him, he decides on black pudding.

When he goes to grab it from the freezer, he gets jumpscared by blood bags. Where did these come from?

He shrugs, grabs a blood bag with the black pudding, before turning to the spice cabinet. He'll need to season the sausages anyway, and he knows certain countries eat seasoned blood. He can maybe experiment.

He turns back to Bloodmoon with a critical optic, shooing them away when he notices them inching towards the blood.

"Do you like spicy food?"

"Spicy food? It's usually good."

He nods, turning to grab dried jalapenos, black pepper, salt and some pizza mix. After a bit of thinking, he grabs some bacon from the fridge as well, fully intent on making something of a meat lovers' breakfast.

"Stop trying to grab the blood. Just because I'm not looking, I can tell you're sneaking up"

"Ugh! We want the deep, fresh red! We want to be kept well fed!"

"You'll get enough blood once I'm done cooking. Do you like potato?"

"What's a potato? "

That's not a no

He looks at the ingredients already in front of him, unsure how to proceed. He fully intended to follow some recipe, or to just throw the stupid things in the oven and be done with it, but now he needs to know if he can make something actually edible out of this.

He tears the blood bag open, pouring the sludge into a bowl, before adding generous amounts of jalapenos, and the other seasoning of course. He mixes it, before wrapping the sausages in the bacon.

As an experiment he throws one small baconed black pudding piece at Bloodmoon, who immediately grabs it out of the air, and if the dilated optics and grabby hands are anything to go by, they like it.

He shakes his head, pouring the mixture over the wrapped sausages, adding a bit of rosemary on top, then throws it in the over to defreeze a bit while it heats up.

He yet again shoos Bloodmoon away, grabbing potatoes to make into steak fries. He feels like he needs some actually edible food. He's much more careful with the seasoning of the potatoes, because he has a feeling he'll be eating more of this than whatever satanic thing he has cooking. It doesn't help when the smell drifting from the poor oven is... questionable at best.

So, he's careful with the frying, making sure it's all a nice gold colour. After the first batch has cooled off enough he side-eyes Bloodmoon, who've since then moved to sit in front of the oven as if hypnotised.

Why not?

"Bloodmoon catch"

They immediately turn, teeth snapping down on the steak fry without question, seemingly trusting him to not poison them.

They seem satisfied, turning interested eyes towards the deep fryer.

"What is this tasty morsel?"

"Cooked potato."

"And what is this potato? "

They ask as they grab another done fry.

"A plant."

Their hand stops comically before their mouth, and as they pull it away, they look at it as if it betrayed them. Eclipse laughs at them.

They still eat it though, even if they look grumpy about it.

He keeps an optic on both the fries and the abomination in the oven, sometimes checking on the latter, and has to stop Bloodmoon from attempting to steal the black pudding. At least someone is eager.

It's almost a fistfight when he takes it out of the oven, trying to simultaneously hold it steady and keep increasingly interested SCPs back, but he manages. He strictly forbids them from touching the sausages, threats ranging from withholding their favourite shows from them to telling Killcode, and by the grace of the latter he keeps them at bay. They're pouting up a storm, but they can't do anything about it.

He's just in the middle of taking the last batch of fries out when Solar Flare and Killcode get back, as surprised about them still being here as they are about their sudden presence.

Killcode, like every obsessed man, immediately zeroes in on his 'kid' using his kitchen, and rushes forward to grab him. It's good he already turned the fryer off.

He's looked over for injuries, like he doesn't know how the fuck to use the godforsaken kitchen, and when he's deemed healthy enough, he's placed on the couch next to a grumbling Bloodmoon and a Solar Flare who's currently staring at the crack in the wall.

It turns its head questioningly, and he points at the red menaces. It nods in understanding, then looks back at the wall.

"Eclipse, what did you make?"

"Hopefully not poison."

That was perhaps not the best answer, based on Killcode's eyes widening. He stares at him and he stares right back.

"It's the package of black pudding wrapped in bacon, and a blood bag poured over it. I just wanted the sausages originally. Then morbid curiosity got to me."

Killcode looks a bit pained.

"Hey! I can cook! I did so back when I still had a separate apartment!"

That doesn't seem to convince the giant.

Eclipse huffs, crossing his arms.

"There's also steak fries. Those are good."

It turns out to be edible, in the sense that he didn't keel over the moment it touched his tongue. He kind of wishes he did though, because the first couple of bites are terrible. It does get better once he gets used to the taste, but he'd still rather not eat it.

He's the only one hung up on the taste, no one else seems to have a problem. If anything, they seem to like it.

Bloodmoon has already licked their plate clean, and are eyeing his portion, which he pushes at them happily. Solar Flare is doing its usual shimmying dance of pleasure, which it only does when it really likes something. Killcode is the most discreet about his enjoyment, but he can see the cogs turning behind the blood red eyes. He's already picking out the ingredients he can feel, and will no doubt ask about them later.

For now, he gives an approving nod, affectionately bonking his head, before going back to his meal. Eclipse ends up eating the steak fries primarily.

This was a reminder about the predatory nature of his 'family'.

He can't help but notice how different he is

***

Killcode and Solar Flare's shopping trip was apparently, to get a tv in the room. When he asks what they bought it with, because he can see no transactions from his card, self-proclaimed father only shakes his head, smiling cryptically.

So it's most likely stolen. Great

It doesn't stop him from using the rest of his workday to help them set up the tv.

The only one who has any sort of idea about how to deal with technology is Solar Flare, and he's never seen a tv before. Eclipse only ever mentioned them, grumbling about getting a tv on the day of the incident they don't talk about, and he most definitely didn't expect them to get one, especially this soon.

So, he ends up sitting on the ground, looking over instructions before throwing the stupid papers away. He got the gist.

Killcode defiantly helps him set the stupid thing up, despite being a bit clueless about it, with gritted teeth. He's hissing more than talking by the end of it, but he helps Eclipse, and that's all that counts.

He has to chase Bloodmoon away from it too, because he's not sure it'd survive them batting at it. Its screen is too flat he thinks, but it's a truly impressive tv he'll give it that.

Only problem would have been the room lacking an outlet there, but it seems like this will be powered by magic as well, like most of the kitchen appliances.

The runes Killcode's carved in the ground for it were initially concerning, but from what he briefly observed they seem to follow some sort of logic.

"Sooo, magic?"

"Yes. I've neglected your own training. Good of you to remind me."

That's not what he meant to do, but sure

"I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"The training? It is. You need to protect yourself son"

That last part is accompanied by a withering glare sent towards the twins, who wisely slink into the bathroom. Out of sight, out of mind after all, right?

"I'm not sure I'd be good at it"

"That is only because you're not yet connected to the family's magic pool. We'll fix that soon enough."

Connecting him to the family what now? Magic pool?

Wow, they're really taking this charade seriously.

Unless—

Stupid. Don't even think about it.

At the end of it, success is theirs, and he receives another affectionate bonk for his efforts. Almost worth it.

"How about a movie night children?"

"Ooh! Movies! Blood and gore! Oh such a joy! "

Of course they want to watch horror.

"We could watch Nimona. I heard good things."

That's kind of sweet from Solar Flare.

Eclipse and Killcode turn to look at each other at the same time. It results in a silent battle of wills, of who'll make a suggestion and who'll oversee tonight. It's admirable from his father, but Eclipse has a secret trump card.

It's been a while, a couple months, since he last used puppy dog eyes on Killcode, on that first morning after curling up in bed, safe and held, and he hasn't tried it since.

Killcode getting shot right after he used it kind of stuck.

But now he throws all pride to the wind, body slouching pathetically, and only this already brings alarm into those hellish optics. The SCP is clearly not ready for him lowering his head, looking up from wide, sad eyes. There's panic now on that face.

Eclipse does his all to conjure sad, lost, hurt, pathetic, and he thinks he succeeds a bit too well when Killcode's own mouth begins to wobble. He turns away, eyes screwed shut.

"Fine "

Eclipse whoops, getting the remote before Killcode can truly process the sudden switch, then looks at the SCP expectantly.

There's dead silence in the room.

"Hell's kitchen"

He snorts, but nods. Good choice, good choice.

"We'll start with that, then Nimona, and when it's late gory horror movies."

Solar Flare shrugs, Bloodmoon pouts and Killcode continues to blink at him. He looks like he's having an existential crisis.

"I'll make popcorn then—"

"No, no, I got it."

And then the nightmare is lumbering towards the kitchen.

Eclipse hops down on the couch between his sibling, turning to his favourite website to pirate from.

"Were you actually sad there? "

"Nope. It's called puppy eyes, and is used to get your way. Don't think about trying it on me though. Way too many kids already tried, and I proved them I have no soul when I didn't cave."

It's meant jokingly, but his siblings immediately bristle, Solar Flare grabbing onto his arm, eyes an angry ring, and Bloodmoon latches on from the other side, expression furious.

But the worst is Killcode, who upon hearing what he said abandoned all snacks in the kitchen, and is currently towering over him with a thunderous expression.

He hates how fear crawls down his back

He's essentially held in place, and he's scared he's somehow ruined the charade, this pretend they had going on. He wishes he could take it back.

Killcode bends one leg, half-kneeling before him as he too grabs Eclipse, but by his face, large claws holding his most important components. He doesn't dare move.

"Who? "

"Wh-wha—?"

"Who?! "

Killcode's roar shakes the walls themselves he feels like, and he flinches back. He curls around himself as much as he can being held like this, and shakes his head to the best of his abilities.

He has no idea what they want

The hand around his head tightens, and he freezes. Is this what a zebra feels before the lion jumps at it?

"Father, he's scared "

It's surprisingly Bloodmoon who speaks up.

The giant freezes as well, seeming to take him in. When Eclipse meets those searching optics with his own, something softens within that hellfire.

He's extracted from the arms holding him, and held against that great chest again.

He's pushing at it however, suddenly not so paralyzed.

He wants to run, but where? Last two times it didn't end well. Or... it didn't end well once. But he was always caught. They always catch him. And they always drag him back.

His limbs are flailing, and he's hyperventilating. He doesn't need to breathe. Why does he do it?

He manages to somehow turn around in the hold, hands scrambling at the arms holding him securely. This way he has perfect view of the other SCPs sitting on the couch, looking back wide eyed. He's too far gone to recognise the fear.

He's shaking he realises, just as that deep, soothing purr sounds from that large chest he's pressed against.

It's almost instinctive to react to that rumble now, like it's a part of his base coding. His body ceases all motion, as if his strings have been cut, and he's hanging limply from those hands.

Slight tremors still shake him, but they appear involuntary. His vents slow, but he's disturbingly aware of them now, aware of his fans spinning out of control as they strain to bring his temperature down to something manageable. They're more or less succeeding.

Bloodmoon and Solar Flare before him look frightened, he notices, but he's suddenly too tired, too numb to care. He just stares blankly.

Killcode still hasn't let him go.

He's unsure if he ever will.

He doesn't react as a large head is pressed between his shoulder blades, Killcode bending to curl around him.

"They lied."

Is the quiet murmur against his back.

"What?"

He murmurs back. In the quiet it sounds like he's shouting.

"They lied. You have a soul."

That warms his chest, and he hates it. Hates how the ice thaws just that bit more, hates how much harder it is to keep them from his heart. Metaphorical one of course.

He's been told enough times to know he lacks one.

"We'll watch some movies, alright?"

"Okay"

"And we'll be eating chocolate and spicy nacho instead of popcorn."

"Okay"

Killcode nuzzles him a final time, pressing a kiss to his forehead, then he's gently wrapped in a fluffy blanket, and placed back in the middle of the couch. He notes he can move his limbs.

Bloodmoon immediately leans into him, arms sneaking around his waist as they pull themselves closer until they're resting their head in his lap. Solar Flare grabs his shoulder after a second, leaning its head on his side. He's too tired to respond.

When Killcode comes back, and plucks the dropped remote, no one does anything. They just simply continue holding him.

He doesn't mention how Nimona ends up being the first movie they watch.

And when a giant clawed hand closes around his own comparatively tiny one, he only squeezes back.

***

Morning finds him floating between awakeness and sleep. He's vaguely aware of people laying on the bed with him, before they get up. He doesn't react.

There are murmurs, some he understands, some he doesn't.

"I- lrig-?"

"—ike Sun—"

"—ould we—?"

He just floats, with no care in the world.

"—t like us- fr-gile—"

"Blo-oon!"

"N-t bad thi—"

"—ow w-l we—?"

"I do- know"

The conversation feels worried. Is there something wrong? If so, he'll fix it. He swears he can.

"—et h-m slee—"

And then the door opens and closes with what feels like finality.

He still doesn't get up. A small voice from inside is screaming at him to get up. If he doesn't they'll leave!

He doesn't want to be alone!

He whimpers, curling into a ball.

Don't leave! Please!

A hand cradles the entirety of his back, pulling him fully into consciousness. His optics snap open as he bolts up in bed.

Next to him is Killcode.

The SCP looks tired, but not in the same way he did when the whole Bloodmoon fiasco was going on. No, this seems to be a deep sheathed exhaustion that stems from... helplessness.

Killcode looks helpless, like he doesn't know what it is he should do. Like he can't fix whatever he fears is broken.

He looks too small and lost as he sits there, gazing at Eclipse with so much undeserved worry.

He hates how familiar that look is

"Good morning"

It's barely a whisper, but it still cuts the quiet like a knife.

"Good morning..."

He remembers what happened last night. He wishes he didn't.

It still doesn't explain the worry.

They sit in silence for a while, both of them lost in thought.

He can't stand the pain. Killcode doesn't deserve to be in pain.

"Is there something wrong?"

That seems to be the wrong thing to say. Eclipse is not surprised. He never knew what was the right thing to say, to do. He only ever made things worse.

"Eclipse, do you remember last night?"

His silence is an answer in and of itself.

"Eclipse, who told you that you lacked a soul?"

There's anger underneath the surface, barely kept in check by iron self-control.

"I was built Killcode. Built things lack those."

They must

The SCP frowns. He looks sad

"Eclipse, how do you feel about us?"

"I—"

He can't help it. He freezes. He stares at Killcode wide opticked, unwilling to say what burns his tongue. How can he make such admission?

The SCP studies him, whatever he's searching for he, seemingly finds.

"I see"

This is where he'll laugh. This is where the masquerade stops. This is where everything goes wrong.

He can't do this

But the ridicule doesn't come

Instead, he's pulled into a large lap, where he's cradled like he's something precious. Killcode doesn't rumble.

Instead, he runs a couple fingers through his rays, soothing them into place. He's being groomed he realises.

He buries his head in that great chest, unable to face the derision. It is almost painful it doesn't come.

He knows he fucked up. He knows he allowed them in. Knows he's grown attached. He really shouldn't have.

He doesn't understand why even now the SCP continues holding him. Why he wraps him in a bubble of safety and warmth, why he dangles all he wants above him like it's something achievable. Why even now he pretends he cares.

He hates the liquid sadness infecting his optics. He hates it even more as it quietly slides down his cheeks, carving its path into his paint.

Killcode is the only witness to his pain this time as well. He doesn't speak, doesn't demand anything. He just sits there silently, and holds him.

It's exactly what he needs at that moment.

He's going to miss this

They sit like that for hours, until he falls asleep, safe in that embrace. 

***

Waking up the second time that day is infinitely better.

He's cried himself to sleep, and he's never felt this refreshed. It was a pathetic display, but one well worth it, if this is the result he'll be getting out of it.

His therapist did say something about expressing emotions and all that.

He's still in Killcode's lap, with his rays petted like he's some sort of cat. It's as relaxing as it was before.

But when he checks his internal clock, he freaks out. He's multiple hours late into his shift.

He springs away from Killcode, startling the poor SCP in the process, and lunges for his coat. He's tackled before he can even graze it with his fingers, much less grab it.

He hears disapproving tutting, completely aware his 'father' decided to use a different kind of hands-on approach.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I need to go work! I'm already late!"

"You're not going in this state."

He's lifted from the floor, cradled once again to Killcode's body. But this time it's a bit different.

His legs hang on either side of the great SCP, with his head resting on a steady shoulder instead of being buried in a warm chest. He lets himself go, relaxing into the touch. This is nice

Their destination seems to be the couch, where he's set down. Killcode sits on the other end, turned towards him. Seems like they'll be talking again.

"Firstly, I apologise for my behaviour last night. I've lost my cool. That was not my intent."

Eclipse nods. He understands how easily that can happen, and with him focusing entirely on Eclipse, Killcode hasn't went out of his way to kill anyone. Not since that particular incident.

"Secondly, my question still stands, even if you don't wish to answer right now."

Right. Who told him he doesn't have a soul and all. That's a question even Eclipse would like the answer to.

"Thirdly, are you feeling better?"

Killcode leans down to be on optic level with him. His eyes are soft and his mouth is closed. It still looks strange on him. He's waiting patiently too, as if whatever he' s about to say is worth something. Like he cares

"Somewhat. I'll probably have to bring it up with my therapist. But he did say there might be other episodes so..."

He trails off, looking at the floor. Killcode just sighs.

Eclipse jumps a bit as a forehead presses against his, silently blinking up at red optics. They simply close. He closes his own in turn.

He focuses on his vents, counting to five as his chest expands in a parody of life, and then he lets go.

He free falls in his mind a bit, slowly relaxing his body as well, until only the SCP's hand stops him from plummeting. He floats in the unexpected bliss he feels, mildly aware of the outside world. Only thing he's truly capable of focusing on is the person touching him.

Killcode, for an SCP, is unbelievably kind.

Eclipse thinks, if not his love, then he'd have his pity. That'd be enough.

He's slowly nudged back to awareness, blinking up at that familiar face smiling at him. He wishes he could truly have the feeling associated with such a loving smile.

But it is okay. This is enough for now.

He'll endure. And when the time comes...

Well, he'll just have to face it with pride.

***

Solar Flare and Bloodmoon were apparently standing guard right outside, growling and hissing at anyone who even dared to pass by.

He'd have paid good money to see that.

When they're invited back in, they immediately flock around him, asking if he's alright, if he needs anything. It's sweet of them.

He pats them both on the shoulders, but that's apparently all the encouragement Bloodmoon needs to pull him into a hug. Solar Flare obviously joins as well.

He's lifted in the air, and while he grumbles at them to let him go, he catches the eye of Killcode.

The SCP is softly smiling, eternally warmed by his children's displays.

Eclipse wishes he could be a cause of such thing too.

***

"Okay, so last time we tried to get anyone out, I got mauled—"

"Sorry " he can barely catch their whisper, but he waves them off. He's not speaking to them anyway.

"—so I'll probably need something so whoever's next won't accidentally or intentionally stab me."

An agreeable murmur goes through the room. Glad people are on the same page about him getting stabbed. That's something with these people.

"I'm unwilling to wear some ridiculous costume."

"You don't need one to look like a clown."

He ignores the quiet jab, thinking more about how that position seems to attract playground level bullying. Does the unfortunate researcher's intelligence drop or something?

"Pillows?"

The same kid. It's the same kid. The same kid with another idea.

"No"

Kid silently wilts, but doesn't look surprised. Maybe they hoped he'd be inspired again?

"You can try having a less maulable face"

"Thanks Bloodmoon"

He hears an eep, and he guesses either Killcode or Solar Flare showed their unappreciation.

"So, we're all lost. Great "

Everyone's quietly staring at one another, as if hoping one of them will rise above the rest with an idea. If only it were as easy as semi-peer-pressure.

Seconds stretch into minutes, and Eclipse thinks they'll yet again fail to think of something, but then an idea comes as he looks towards security. More specifically their guns.

"We have any bulletproof stuff?"

Dr Smith steps forward.

"The Site has multiple, it'd be easy to request access to one."

"Perfect. Get to it then"

And the man's already running off, eager to provide. Good man

He turns to SCP-13666, wondering what nightmarish beast he might pull out next. Preferably they'll not try to eat his face or something. That'd be freaky.

"Eclipseman, do you not have a solution? "

"Not a perfectly working one."

"Huh "

Eclipse shrugs at them, unsure what he could say. It's hard to help people out of their specially made magical prison, especially seeing as he doesn't know anything about magic. He's doing his best here okay?!

But Bloodmoon doesn't appear put out by the admission. If anything, they look like they suddenly understood something.

They nod at him and Eclipse is left confused.

***

Movie night attempt number two goes much better than the first one.

Eclipse keeps his mouth shut when self-depreciating thoughts bubble up, and no one loses their temper.

Only hitch in the night is when Killcode proudly holds up extra buttery popcorn for the Blood twins.

"What happened to the butter?"

They were lucky Solar Flare was standing behind Killcode, because its expression of pure panic would have given them away. But they were still in deep.

How do you tell a kitchen crazy SCP their cooking supply was thrown to the ceiling?

Eclipse had to think fast

"We made extra buttery popcorn."

Good enough

Killcode was clearly baffled.

"Why?"

"Bloodmoon really liked it."

"Yes"

Eclipse knew that excuse was going to come and bite them in the ass, and now they were really in for it. It was something even Bloodmoon realised, because when Killcode's back was turned their expression became grim.

Would it be better at this point to just admit to it?

Solar Flare was not helping. Their panicked pinpricks were directed at the floor, and they couldn't have more obviously panicked if they tried.

The popcorn making part was true. When they finally managed to get the damned thing off the ceiling they had to think of a plausible excuse to why it's missing. And they couldn't just say they made popcorn without opening a package and leaving evidence that they did, in fact, make popcorn.

Problem is, Bloodmoon fucking hated it, and wouldn't touch the butter if their life depended on it.

No matter how many times Eclipse told them ceiling dust butter tastes different to normal butter, they just wouldn't believe him. He tried everything. But after a tantrum nearly giving them away, they all decided to just drop it.

They really shouldn't have

If Bloodmoon refuses the popcorn now, then that would be suspicious. If they give it up to either one of them, that'd be out of character, so also suspicious. They guarded foods they like jealously. It was really working against them here.

So they had to eat the damn thing, without grimacing, without sharing, without anything, because Killcode's too smart for their own good, and he'll catch on.

This might be the end here

Bloodmoon does a little salute they learned from him, and then they're raising a popcorn to their mouth. They're visibly in pain as they subconsciously lean away from the approaching food item, but it has to be done. Otherwise, they're busted.

Eclipse can't help them

They're already lucky Killcode's not looking currently, from the sounds of it too focused on making more snacks to properly pay attention, but it won't stay like that forever.

Solar Flare and him hold their vents as Bloodmoon finally bites down on that sad little piece of extra buttery popcorn.

Their expression at first is one of disgust. They obviously expect some rancid taste, but when it doesn't come their expression becomes surprised. Maybe even pleased.

They grab another, pop that in their mouth as well, and by the time Killcode's coming back with more snacks they're shovelling it in their mouth. This earns them an amused chuckle.

Eclipse is casually laid back, half-laying on Solar Flare to explain their tense posture. He knows it's uncomfortable with sudden touches, but it was either this or a suspiciously tense Solar Flare. Eclipse thinks his improvisation is acceptable.

They continue to get away with it for now.

Looks like they'll have to talk about the butter incident anyway.

***

It's five in the morning. He has two hours until his shift.

There's a random human arm on his bed.

It's, or at least it was, leaking blood too. He doesn't know what to do with it.

Killcode's looking silently at the arm as well, seemingly as surprised as Eclipse is.

Solar Flare is also looking at the arm. He looks pained.

Bloodmoon seemed proud, but now they seem unsure.

There's awkward silence.

Eclipse continues to stare at the arm, almost convinced he's hallucinating or something. Surely there's no arm on his bed. Right?

"Why is there an arm on the bed?"

He knows who the culprit is. It's not hard to guess, because Killcode has taken on a more peaceful lifestyle, and Solar Flare hasn't yet murdered any humans. To his knowledge at least.

"We wanted to get you food. Finally have you eat something good."

They say it like it's obvious. Like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"I don't eat humans."

"Ah "

Now everyone's staring at the arm silently. Clearly unsure what to do with it.

He's going to ignore how he already said in their presence that he doesn't eat humans.

"I'll just... get rid of this."

"Good son... We'll clean the bed"

He doesn't know what was more of a walk of shame. Throwing out the bird, or throwing out the arm?

The people who are awake stare at him even more than they did last time, as he disposes of the arm. He thinks his haunted expression is explanation enough.

Bloodmoon sleeps on the couch that day.

***

He's currently doing his new favourite thing. Throwing balls at SCP-13666 and watching them bounce in random directions as its barrier shoots them away.

He thinks he sees dog kid doing his best to not throw himself after the balls. He did say he likes catch.

At this point they're waiting for some slow idiot at some random department to approve their next extraction attempt. So far, no signs of intelligent life from there.

He can objectively understand why they might be hesitant after the whole Bloodmoon fiasco, but come on! Killcode has a higher known body count. They're fine with letting him be around.

The process would also be much easier if he knew how many people were in there. Killcode understandably didn't want to say much, because he hasn't seen them for a century and it hurt, and for Solar Flare it was too fresh. He didn't even bother asking Bloodmoon.

Speaking off Bloodmoon, they're also watching the balls bounce with bated breath, clearly wanting to chase after them as well. Maybe he should play catch with them sometime. That'd help with their energy.

"Eclipseman we wish to dance! Do that weird little prance!"

Great.

"Later"

They seem mildly put out, but thankfully they only grumble. He's not sure he could’ve handled a full-blown tantrum right now, and the responsible ones are away again. Bloodmoon didn't go because they hate shopping. At least he thinks they do.

In the end, dog kid can't stop himself. He leaves his position by the door and begins chasing a bright yellow tennis ball. Eclipse isn't surprised.

Bloodmoon, now seeing someone else playing, can't stop themselves either, and they burst through the glass cage's door, slamming it so hard the whole thing breaks anyway.

What was the point of using the door?!

***

Afternoon finds the three of them in Eclipse's office.

The old radio stands on the coffee table, where there's less distance to fall from. It's a precaution, because Bloodmoon seems to be vibrating out of their shell.

When he puts on a CD finally, they don't even wait for him to properly turn. They grab his waist, hoisting him in the air as he lets out a startled eep.

They seem to grow in height too, now towering over him, and he balks at the fact that they can apparently change their shape, and they didn't tell him.

His hands find their home on their shoulders, and he can't properly prepare himself before they're twirling him around.

It's all fast pace, spins, jumps, lifts, and he feels scrambled, but so, so free.

When he's thrown in the air only to be caught safely he laughs, when they spin him above their head he shrieks. It's clear they've searched up dances, or maybe even came up with something themselves, because this is so very different from that first time. It's also very different from how he dances with Solar Flare.

He doesn't expect them to dip him, only to then immediately throw him up, like he weighs nothing. He can only follow their lead, lost in the motion and unsure of the next step.

It's fun. He's having fun.

They finish by elegantly dipping him, then they both burst out laughing, burying their face in his chest. He ends up laughing too.

Maybe there is something to the whole learning each other through movement thing.

***

They finally had permission. Wowie

Took them long enough.

It's not like he's hundred percent going to pull another bloodthirsty maniac from in there, so there's no need for all this stupid fear and hesitation. And if he does pull another murderous entity he's going to be the first one injured.

They'll have plenty of time to try and secure the problem while he's mauled to death. Hell given previous track record, he might even be saved by his 'family'.

Now he only needs to set everything up. Fantastic

***

Bloodmoon's already lazing on the couch when he gets back to his room, with no sight of other SCPs.

"Where's everyone?"

"Out shopping"

Hugh. Again?

"They do that a lot."

"They want to get us nice things "

Makes sense

"Why didn't you go? You don't like shopping?"

Their cheeks turn a darker shade, and they look away mumbling in their hand.

"What?"

"We said shopping is fine"

Jeez

"Then wh—"

"We wanted to spend time with you okay?! We like that! "

Oh. Oh wow, he didn't expect that. What was he supposed to do now?

Does he thank them? No, that'd be too weird and also awkward. Does he return the sentiment? He guesses he likes their company as well? When they're not trying to off him or leaving body parts in his bed.

"So uh... What'd you like to do?"

They light up at that

They end up watching Walking Dead in the end, much to Eclipse's annoyance.

***

"I'm just saying, I don't want to watch stupid humans kill each other! If I sit down to watch stupid dead humans murder stupid humans in brutal gory fashion, then I want to watch that!"

"I think you're just sour "

"No no, he's saying something other"

They're currently walking on either side of him, effectively playing keep away with his colleagues. It helps immensely how people give them a wide berth. Apparently their human eating nature is well known in the Site.

They do have their uses as guard dogs.

"See Rusty, even Bloody somewhat agrees! Also, I can easily search up movies where humans kill humans, but there're fewer zombie movies than that! And Walking Dead's such a prominent tittle of its genre, and most of it is these idiotic humans killing each other "

"I'll give you that "

They're currently on their way to the containment room, another day, another shift spent with inane stupid things.

That is, until Dr Smith rushes out the room, eyes sparkling.

"Dr Eclipse! Dr Eclipse! It's all set up! We're ready to go! I already invited the people from last time to help keep a hold of you!"

He seems so excited, beaming in scientific joy. It's good to see someone who takes initiative. Also, someone who's enjoying the current situation.

"Excellent. Are Killcode and Solar Flare back?"

"Not yet"

Well, that's not good.

"Don't you worry. Now let's hurry! We'll keep you protected! "

"Then we might as well prepare for my funeral"

They let out an indignant grumble, but they do follow him.

Upon arrival he waves to all his lunchroom friends, who happily wave back at him. The ancient bear, at the front again, gives him a firm nod.

"We're ready Doc when you are"

He nods back

"Bloodmoon, I'd appreciate if you could go to somewhere on the sides? That way you'll see better."

They scamper to the glass cage, leaning against its side in an almost casual fashion. They give him a thumbs up.

He's firstly given a bulletproof vest, which is a bit too wide on him. Whatever company made this, didn't think about sticks. Sad

Then the rope's tied around him, and he's given protective gloves. That's good. He doesn't want another hand replacement fiasco.

The metal pole is given to him last, but this time he can see strange writings on the end of it. When he looks he realises

Killcode wrote safe all over it, Solar Flare wrote help, Bloodmoon only wrote the word family on it once. It's cute.

He approaches SCP-13666, this time feeling more ready than before, and hopes whoever will grab it this time will have time to read the thing. If someone even grabs it.

When he steps over the safety line, it immediately dials the barrier's pull up. There's a moment where he's almost sailing through the air towards it before his middle is pulled back. Looking behind himself the old security bear is the only one holding the rope, giving his all just to hold him while the others scramble to grab a hold. He thinks his middle section might have just opened a bit. Creepy

He looks towards Bloodmoon, who look like they were ready to lunge. Their knees are bent and their hands are outstretched in a grabbing motion. They look like they've just aged a bit. Every bit the eldest siblings that they were when he pulled them out. They look frightened.

Eclipse steels himself. For them, for their family, he'll endure, even if he's going to end up in there too, even if the price he pays for all their freedom is his. He'll help them. Whatever it takes

He grabs the rod tighter, planting his feet more firmly, then presses his arms forward.

Much like last time, the tungsten pole is dragged in, slowly taking Eclipse with itself, but this time his team is ready. It's not the unexpected force from before, this is why they're here.

Even so, he's slowly sliding towards SCP-13666, unable to fully escape it if he doesn't start fighting it. Problem is, he doesn't feel anything on the other side.

He could reach out and touch the pyramid like structure, but he still doesn't fight.

"Eclipse, move! "

"I can't feel anyone!"

"We don't care! Pull back before we do it for you! "

Just as he turns towards them, he feels the tiniest shift. Someone latched.

He begins heaving himself backward, but he fears he might have just actually screwed himself and whoever he's trying to pull out over.

It's clear he's struggling. It's clear that despite everyone's best efforts, he's continuing to slide towards the thing, instead of away from it.

Bloodmoon curses in their native tongue, but when they approach, the force doubles for the millisecond they were too close and Eclipse is only not touching the barrier because he let some of the rod slide out his hands.

His bear friend is over the safety line as well, and Eclipse is reminded that this guy has three kids. If he gets sucked in, he'll abandon those tots. He won't be able to bring them in for introductions like he wanted to. He'd never see them again.

Bloodmoon looks pained, whining as they back up, before they rush to the very back of the rope, grabbing it themselves. They begin pulling with everyone, and through their sheer strength they begin to budge.

With someone of Bloodmoon's calibre, they start moving backward at a snail's pace. He fears it's not enough.

The prison's trying its best to pull them in, to stop whatever force is trying to free its captives, but he won't let it succeed. He'll win.

He throws himself backward as best he can, and he could let out a cheer when they all get just a bit farther from it.

Then he slips.

His legs slide in an awkwardly angled split, and he screeches something unholy as a wire gets caught in a hip socket.

While he's down all progress they've just made gets lost, as he slides forward the burning white barrier once again. It seems to say that Eclipse will fail. That he won't succeed.

"Eclipse! "

No, he won't let this happen. Fuck this thing. What does it have on him?!

He pushes himself back up, snarling at the pain, at this stupid white wall, at himself, then with a renewed strength he pulls again.

He's only pulling on the tungsten rod, unsure if he can do both the holding and the walking right now. He spits and snarls, cursing the bloody thing under his breath with a burning hatred he's never felt for anything before.

In the end it always comes down to the question of who will win, immovable object or unstoppable force? Eclipse plans on always being the unstoppable force.

He loves these people who surround him. Killcode, Solar Flare, hell maybe even Bloodmoon. Even if he's nothing in their eyes he'll do this, because it might earn him their favour. He wishes it would. He doesn't want to be alone.

He gives a mighty heave, and he can almost imagine the pop sound as the tungsten rod suddenly flies from the prison, at the end of it a pastely blur. He falls over, as does everyone else behind him from the sound of it, and there are tiny hands holding him he realises.

When he looks down, gold eyes more brilliant than his own greet him. On his chest is a tiny animatronic, with a purplish-white and light baby blue casing, a little star tail, big puffy purple shirt and starry baggy pastel yellow pants, a weird purplish-blueish cape like thing that's more fluff than fabric, and a light blue nightcap with barely visible yellow moons on it. They have a silver moon on their forehead.

They blink up at him with big eyes, but don't seem worried about the stranger they're clinging to. If anything, they snuggle into his chest. What the hell.

He stands up, hurrying out of the danger zone before the prison can gear up to a round two, and his hands find the small animatronic look-alike's back. That seems to be the right thing, because they snuggle into him more.

"Oh my—! "

"Baby—!"

Bloodmoon rushes up to them, looking so relieved. They almost take Eclipse off his feet with the force of their collision, and then they pick him up for a spin.

By the time they're put back down the small person clinging to him is giggling, looking up with this cute little expression. They're still holding onto him.

"Thank you! "

"No need"

He looks around, making sure everyone's fine. People are chattering happily, and he thinks Dr Smith has already called someone about the situation. Good

"So uh... Who's the kid?"

Bloodmoon snickers, pupils turning to stars.

"This is Lunar. He's not a kid. Just tiny"

"Oh, that's great"

An awkward pause

"Why is he clinging to me?"

"He likes you "

Well good for him he guesses

"Why does he look lile a cloud?"

"He likes fluffy things"

Cool

But why won't the kid let go?

***

Hours later he's sitting in his office.

At first he planned on filling out the required forms for another successful extraction, but then got roped into teaching Lunar English.

It's not exactly hard, but he seems to be struggling the most with languages.

The result is some funny screw ups that everyone good naturedly chuckles at.

Lunar is still clinging to him though, seemingly content to be held by a stranger.

"Why couldn't you be like this the first time?"

Bloodmoon bristles, puffing up in their indignation. They're mid-swat when the door behind Eclipse suddenly opens, and the two of them freeze in a dubious position.

Gawking at them is Solar Flare and Killcode, former looking one step away from another disown spiral.

Eclipse quickly pries off the clingy midget, who did perk up at the door opening but otherwise didn't react.

"Surprise!"

He holds Lunar away from himself to the side, so the SCPs, except Bloodmoon, can all make eye-contact.

Everyone freezes for a second, then Lunar's making grabby hands at his father, who rushes forward at breakneck speed. He slides down on the floor to them, capturing both Lunar and Eclipse, who's crushed in the strangling hold, thanks. Another soon joins the hug, Solar Flare worming itself to be able to hold Lunar as well, wrapping around Eclipse in the process as well, then Bloodmoon joins in too.

It's all very nice and warm, filled with love and all, but his systems are pinging him about dangerous pressure levels, and Solar Flare's whatever is stabbing into his side. Also, he thinks Lunar started crying in his arms, tiny claws unsheathing and digging into his hands, and he guesses this is what being scratched by a cat feels like.

The hug doesn't let up for a long while, and Eclipse is getting more and more warnings about overheating. If this continues, he's going to—

He passes out before the thought could finish

***

He wakes up in his bed, which is unsurprising. He'd fallen asleep in his office before, and was always taken to bed after his 'adoption'.

There's a new weight on his chest though

Opening his optics, he's met with big gold ones, that continue staring at him without blinking.

"Uhm hi"

"Hello!"

The loudness startles him, and he ends up bumping into Killcode who lets out a grumble at being disturbed. In the end he luckily doesn't wake up, only curls around all of them more.

Now that he's paying attention he can feel Bloodmoon's hands on his hips, and Solar Flare's head on his shoulder. He's boxed in between everyone.

He's fairly certain his bed shouldn't be able to accommodate all of them.

The tiny SCP on his chest crawls up a bit, and Eclipse tenses. He's sized up for a couple seconds, before Lunar boops his nose.

Then the midget is back to curling up on him, seemingly satisfied.

Eclipse is left baffled

***

Lunar is the most celebrated addition to the line of SCPs pulled from SCP-13666, simply because he's basically just a friendly childlike entity.

He likes to talk about video games and the series he's watching, and Eclipse is kind of terrified with how fast he's taken to technology.

He doesn't have a problem using the phone, except maybe a seemingly already developing addiction, and immediately found things to do.

He proudly stated that he likes fun, because it sounds like fun, and left it at that. Eclipse is terrified.

He's currently looking towards him longingly for some reason, and Eclipse sighs, knowing he can't escape it.

He approaches the glass cage, nodding at a drawing Solar Flare and a wrestling Killcode and Bloodmoon, then turns to Lunar.

"What's up?"

"The phone needs to chaarge"

"So?"

"I'm booooored!"

Eclipse pinches what constitutes as the bridge of his nose.

"Then draw or something"

"Drawing is boring!"

Solar Flare looks up affronted

"I don't see why this is my problem"

Lunar whines

"You have a phone"

"So?"

"Give it to me? Pretty please? I won't download anything you don't approve of!"

Eclipse knows Lunar won't give up until he gives in, but will get progressively bitchier about it. In the three days since he's been out he's learned that much.

"Fine. You can play Angry Birds or something"

"Thanks, big brother! You are the best!"

Now both Solar Flare and Bloodmoon look up affronted.

"Whatever. Don't break it or I'm taking your phone"

Lunar seems to sense the sudden glare of his family, and looks kind of horrified now. If he gets the family phone taken away, he's never hearing the end of it.

"I swear I'll be careful!"

And then he's immediately glued to the screen.

Sure. Eclipse will believe that

***

Lunar's the first to turn up at his room that night, and he very clearly lacks a familiar orange item.

"Lunar, where's my phone?"

He seems to freeze, eyes widening in sudden realisation.

"Uhm"

"Lunar"

"You see... It maaay be in the vents...?"

The vents. His phone. In the vents.

"Where—"

"I don't know exactly!"

"What do you mean you don't know?!"

"It all looks the same okay!?"

Vents. He'll have to climb in the vents.

He takes a deep vent, counting to ten. It doesn't help.

"Come on"

"What? You can't just—"

"Lunar "

Whatever his face might be doing clearly unnerves Lunar enough that the little bot follows him without a word. They leave the room in silence.

"Where did you crawl out?"

“I don't know. Around the corner I think?"

"You think? "

"My memory sucks, don't judge me!"

"I am judging you!"

Lunar lets out a wail, but then giggles. Back to good mood apparently. Eclipse also cracks a smile.

They stop before the vent that's above their head, but thankfully Eclipse thinks he can reach it. It looks cramped, and dark, and dingy. He doesn't want to go in there, but there's no turning back now. He wants his phone.

"Do you have the family phone?"

"Nah. Why"

"Ah, you know, just flashlight is all."

"You can't see in the dark?"

"I can technically, but not very well. Compared to you lot, I can't."

Lunar lets out a worrying noise, then looks away. He's looking everywhere, but at Eclipse.

"So uh... Maybe I can't see in the dark either?"

Great. Fantastic. Just awesome.

He's never getting that phone back is he?

"Buuuut I can do this!"

Lunar shakes himself, and then his casing is glowing.

It's quite blinding actually, and makes him hiss from discomfort. He covers his optics for a moment, dialling their sensitivity down, then looks back again. Still a glowing cloud. Cool

"You can just use me as a flashlight! And maybe I'll even recognise the place I was holed up in!"

He picks Lunar up with one hand, then hoists himself up to the vent.

It's as tight as it looked, and he's eternally grateful for his slim body. It's claustrophobic enough as is.

He holds Lunar out before himself, shining into intersections, before crawling along.

"Straight or not?"

"I think so?"

The amount of dust in here is unsanitary. He's fairly certain there's some sort of regulation about keeping ventilation systems to buildings clean or something. And—

Was that a spider?

And sure enough, there's the meanest spider he's ever seen in his life. It's large, it's all black, it's got eight freaky legs and it's scuttling right towards him.

"Uhm Eclipse? I'd appreciate if you didn't point me face towards bugs."

"Arachnid"

It's almost like it's a part of his nature to correct him.

The spider continues its creepy crawling, and he holds Lunar out like a sacrificial lamb. Take the little guy not him!

But it thankfully turns down a different branch, leaving Eclipse happy and relieved. He lets out a sigh, body going partially limp from relief.

"So, I guess you don't like insects"

"No "

He continues along, keeping Lunar in front of him at all times. The SCP is a great flashlight, except for all the grumbling about how he's held, and how he's brandished as a sword at dark spaces and spiders alike.

They still end up spending too long a time in there.

"Is this familiar?"

"I don't know? It all looks the same!"

At this point he's locked in a dark disgusting place where he can barely move, with a whiny toddler. Not how he wanted to spend the night.

He continues along, grumbling to himself about how stupid this is. And then, like a blessing from the sky, Lunar perks up.

"I think I was like... That way?"

Eclipse pushes himself forward, revitalised by the prospect of finally finding that godforsaken, stupid phone. He follows Lunar's pointing fingers, and sure enough, on the ground is his phone. It's beautiful.

He grabs it as soon as he can, hoping to use it as a flashlight instead of the annoying brat he has, but that hope leaves him as it doesn't turn on. It's dead.

He slowly turns his head to face Lunar, who's chuckling nervously.

"So uhh... Whoopsie?"

He feels he's completely justified when he bonks him on the head with a curled finger. No matter how betrayed the tiny SCP looks, it was justified. Screw him.

New problem, they don't know where the exit is.

They're left banging around in the dark, cranky and lost, and Eclipse decides right here in these godawful vents, that this is his worst experience with the celestial animatronic SCPs ever. Period.

"Why didn't you remembeeeeer!"

"Shut up you brat!"

He shakes Lunar, who continues to whine all the while. By this point Eclipse has lost all his patience, and won't ever lend anything to this menace ever again. Never ever.

He's angry, in way too much discomfort bordering on pain, and he doesn't have the capacity to feel bad about calling Lunar a brat right now. He wants out, and he wants sleep. And cuddles. From anyone that's not Lunar.

Finally, he thinks he sees light. He crawls towards the exit, throwing his all to get the fucking cover off, and then squeaks as he topples down headfirst.

He ends up in an undignified sprawl, knees right next to his head, arms pressed down by them, with Lunar pressing painfully into his stomach.

"Uh?"

And there, standing at the other wall of the corridor, is his bear friend.

He blinks down at them, then back to the vent, then back at them again. He doesn't need to say anything to make his confusion known.

"Doc? The hell?"

"Hi Freddy"

He lets go of the squirming Lunar, who immediately darts back down the hall, towards his room he realises. Little brat.

"You need a hand?"

"Please"

The nightmarish war machine untangles his legs, politely ignoring the compromising position, then puts him on his feet too. He knew he liked this guy for a reason.

"Thanks"

The bear nods.

"Wanna tell me what you were doin'?"

"That tiny little nightmare left my phone in the vents. In the vents "

The bear chuckles, ruffling his rays, which he swats at indignantly.

"Ah, siblings eh?"

"I want to be disowned already"

That earns him a full bellied laugh. At least someone's amused by his misery.

When he gets back to his room, dirty and incredibly peeved, he's greeted by confused SCPs who were all wondering about his whereabouts, and a tiny brat thankfully kept away from his bed.

He doesn't say anything, only slams the door and then storms to the bathroom. He needs a shower or two.

He doesn't let Lunar anywhere near his bed that night.

***

After the vent incident he pointedly didn't give his phone to Lunar, ever again.

No matter how much he whined.

In fact, he started policing the family phone as well, along with other items he owns, because he sure as shit wasn't crawling in the vents again.

Because it would be him, trying to find whatever item was lost.

Killcode can't fit in there, even if he maimed himself, his hips would probably catch somewhere. Solar Flare was just too bulky, and the spikes on his back would stop it from even getting in. And Bloodmoon seemed uncomfortable by small places.

So really, that only left him, because he doesn't exactly trust Lunar's attention span. He's bolted up in 'cold sweat' by the imagine of Lunar entering the vents to look for something, then just forgetting why he was in there. It's honestly haunting him.

He knows it's ridiculous, and also kind of overbearing when he stares at Lunar like a hawk, trying to make sure he doesn't lose anything, or always asking if he was in the vents again, but so far Lunar didn't express either discomfort or annoyance.

If anything, the little bot seems immensely happy that he's getting attention. No matter if it's kind of chastising.

Eclipse's suspicious stares also turn more and more joking as time goes on, so that's fine.

He'll admit, while little cloud has his issues, he's sweet when he wants to be.

If only he showered on his own.

***

"What are consoles?"

"That depends honestly"

Lunar is currently sat on his desk, swinging his little legs. Solar Flare, who was sitting on the newly acquired couch by the coffee table, also looks up from their book.

"Do you mean like, gaming consoles such as Xbox or something?"

"Yes!"

Okay, he should have figured that Lunar would find out about those sooner rather than later.

"Name's pretty self-explanatory kid. You can play games on them."

"Like the phone?"

"Nah, better games. They have better components, and they're specifically designed to play games on. Unlike phones."

Lunar gasps

"That's neat!"

Eclipse shakes his head.

Honestly, it's maybe a good idea. Those don't need to be charged, seeing as they're continuously fed electricity, and the games would also probably catch Lunar's attention more.

"I mean my off day's coming up. I can check the consoles out if you want."

Lunar whoops, thrusting his fist in the air. Solar Flare also looks intrigued.

"I need to grab multiple controllers though. I think some company just came out with a console that can support more than four controllers? I'll check that out."

He's really doing this. His room will never know peace.

But he finds he's not as bothered as he should be.

***

Lunar has a love-hate relationship with the glass. He seems to hate being locked in, but he sure as hell enjoys dramatic suffering and pretending to be a criminal caught and thrown in prison.

It's marginally funny, brightening his workday just a bit better.

"Ecliiiiipseeee!"

"Oh, it's not cop or prison guard this time?"

He still obligingly walks up to the glass, tapping to Bloodmoon.

"When are my uncles going to come out?"

"Your uncles?"

"Yeah you know, it's only our two uncles in there."

Eclipse stares at him blankly

"...You knew that right?"

"No"

"You didn't tell him?! "

Bloodmoon looks somewhere between annoyed and incredulous. They've turned towards their father and middle sibling, who both look away pained.

"How is he supposed to help if he has no idea how many of us are there?!"

They seem to be working themselves up into a spiral.

"Was it some kind of joke? "

"It was too painful. I haven't seen you in a century. I did not know if all of you were safe."

"Shut it old man! Excuses, excuses! "

Oh boy

***

Perhaps grabbing Bloodmoon around their middle and hoisting them out to the hallway was not the best idea.

They're gnawing at his arm, gently of course, and they're constantly grumbling under their breath things that sound suspiciously like dumb old man and stupid something something.

"Are you gonna cause more trouble?"

"Maybe"

That's just great.

"Okay, off to the office with you."

"But—! "

"No buts. We're going to the office. And we'll dance."

That seems to cheer them up, if them picking him up and running through the halls is indication enough.

They give him a workout, that's for sure

***

Lunar really likes to be picked up.

But he seems to like Eclipse picking him up the best.

"You're just perfect!"

Is the answer he gets when he asks. Supposedly, he's comfy. Eclipse guesses it's his silicone casing.

He's currently in the containment chamber, but he wishes he wasn't. Lunar has gotten out through the door somehow, and is running around causing mayhem. Everyone else is running around like headless chickens.

He's lost sight of the tiny menace when the terror twins decided it'd be really fucking funny to start chasing some of his human co-workers, playfully threatening them about casually eating them. Only they think it's playful. Killcode is thankfully, trying to catch them, but his larger size is hindering him.

Solar Flare is just drawing on the floor like the best sibling it is. He loves it. He's going to get it that salted caramel treat it likes so much along with the strawberry shortcake.

In the chaos, he has no idea who's where, except for Killcode, and he has no way to calm them down.

"Lunar no!"

He doesn't expect Killcode to shout, and he startles backwards, before jumping back forward as something collides with his back. From the weight, it seems to be Lunar.

When he turns his head, he's met with a horrified expression and gold eyes slowly filling with tears.

Lunar's scream cuts through the noise, stopping everyone in their tracks. Eclipse doesn't know what earned such reaction.

"Yo-you-your—"

Killcode's suddenly there, picking the tiny animatronic up, and cradling him against his chest.

Lunar continues crying.

It's a sombre looking Bloodmoon who takes Eclipse out of the room.

"What's with him? Did I do something?"

Bloodmoon shakes their head.

"You have done no wrong. Reaction's understandably strong. Don't worry your pretty head. Come, father will deal with the dread."

He's left confused as he's lead to his room. He thinks he forgot something else.

But what?

***

No one ever mentions that again, despite the fact he asked, and things simply go back to normal.

Except Lunar's a bit clingier, and seems to have taken on the others' anti-human thought process somewhat. But still, he never explains why he suddenly burst out crying when he touched Eclipse. He's kind of worried it’ll happen again.

But he'll admit, it's nice that he's not randomly jumped on anymore.

Even if the requests for uppies have become more insistent.

***

His room is rather cramped, even with the magically added space.

The kitchen is off limits for clutter, Killcode jealously guarding his territory, which means things get left everywhere else. It's annoying.

Lunar is, of course, the biggest culprit for the mess. He likes to leave stuff everywhere, and then more often than not, ends up forgetting something, or simply loses interest.

But the others also started leaving things around.

Solar Flare has started putting up some of its drawings, which Eclipse will admit, is a nice addition to the room. Gives it a bit more life.

Killcode bought potted plants, placing them in nice spots where they bring a bit of colour. He's their sole caretaker. That's also a nice addition.

Bloodmoon started leaving cups of all things around. Cups, with suspicious liquids dried at their bottoms. He's fairly certain they're leaving their bloodied mugs around. That's a gross addition.

Lunar is leaving everything. And he truly means everything. Eclipse will be getting out of bed one moment, and then slip on an abandoned Lays bag the next. Worst thing is, it's abandoned midway, so then he'll have to clean up crumbs from everywhere.

He's had to talk himself down a lot of times so he didn't lose his shit. He barely succeeds.

He's also retaken up the nasty habit of pulling on his rays because of this. He's getting concerned glances from everyone, especially when he bends one of them without noticing. He'll sometimes be in mild pain for the day, not realising what's hurting, and then Killcode will jump him when he sees him and ask about what he's done to himself.

He thought he left this habit behind. He hasn't pulled on his rays since he was in university.

Having what's essentially a baby sibling is stressful.

He had to lunge to catch the brat from certain falls way too many times, and with no thank you at that. Lunar will just shake him off, then go back to his hyperactive jumping.

It's tiring

But when he opens the door to his room, and gets greeted by an enthusiastic hug and endless chatter about this co-op game Lunar has discovered that's for consoles, and can we please get one, it becomes just a bit less so.

And a lot more worth it

***

They're currently playing very one-sided hide and seek.

He says it's one-sided, because Lunar just barged in and took his pen. All the other ones were already conveniently missing. And that pen was a gift from Solar Flare. It has a cute kitty on it.

So now he's rummaging through the nearby closet rooms.

"Lunar! Where are you, you little brat?"

So far he had no luck. He was hoping the SCP's tiny feet would hinder him in his get away, but no. Lunar is way too used to keeping up with a giant like Killcode, so he’s unfairly fast for someone his size. But aren't all of them to be honest?

"Lunar! This is not funny!"

Something catches his attention. Something that almost sounds like... Giggling?

It seems like he's found him

"Lunar, get out right now or I swear!"

More muffled laughter. Good. It's coming from around those boxes near the door.

"Looks like he's not here. Dammit!"

He stalks to the door, opening and slamming it. Then he waits.

He holds his vents, making conscious effort to regulate his body temperature on its most optimal, and sure enough, it seems to work.

Tiny snickers grow louder from the boxes, as Lunar seems to relax. It looks like he thinks his foe hasn't heard him.

Eclipse silently steps towards him, grateful for that time he was sneaking around with Solar Flare and Killcode on his trail. He's not as good as Bloodmoon or the nightmare himself, but he did pick up a couple tricks. Desperately hiding does do that to you.

"Got you!"

Lunar shrieks, but it's too late for escape. He's already on him, lifting the tiny menace in the air without effort.

He's squirming around, trying to slip out of his cloudy garment, but Eclipse only adjusts his hold on him. He's had way too much experience with unruly children. And Bloodmoon too.

"Noooo! Lemme go! Help! The monster's got me!"

"Oh, so now I'm a monster?"

He gives Lunar a little shake, who's trying his best to disguise his laughs with fake cries. It needs a bit of work.

"I've been defeated! Bested!"

Eclipse rolls his optics, and plucks his pen out from a tiny hand. Lunar gives a dramatic whine, reaching for it like some generic hero character. It's amusing enough to make him chuckle.

The SCP slumps, eyes closing and tongue rolling out. Brat

"You done?"

"No"

He snorts, slinging Lunar over his shoulder. He ignores the indignant cry of outrage, and casually makes his way back to his office.

He throws Lunar on the couch, then goes back to his paperwork.

There're lots of huffs and puffs, but when tiny hands scratch at him, he indulgently pushes back from the desk.

He waits until Lunar is safely on his lap before going back to work.

A hand does slide down to run circles along a tiny back, before it gets caught in a hug.

He doesn't move away even when tiny systems fall quiet.

"Night kid"

***

"LUNAR GET BACK HERE!"

He's panicking. He's honest to god panicking. But in his place, who wouldn't?

Lunar is currently booking it towards the facility's exit, and Eclipse is unsure how the hell he found it. He only knows he can't let the chaos that is Lunar get unleashed on the world. He has to stop him.

His tiny hope in the guards gets brutally extinguished as the SCP easily slips past them. They stare after him, shouting much too late.

Eclipse rushes past them, barely a second later, hands outstretched towards the tiny menace, before he gets evaded again.

He hears more shouting behind him, but it doesn't completely register as he takes a page out of Bloodmoon's book, and pounces on his baby brother.

They roll around the hill that surrounds the facility for a bit, before stopping.

"I got you—"

He gets cut off as large hands hoist him up, before another smaller pair takes off his lab coat. He can hear Bloodmoon cackling in the background.

"I got you~"

He doesn't think he's ever heard a more terrifying sound than Killcode's sing-song, especially when they're all out in the wild.

Kill him before his higher ups can please

"Wha—?"

"Put his coat in the bag. It's high time for a family day out."

A what?!

"Give it b—"

He's ignored as his coat is confiscated along with his badge, leaving him in only his black shirt and pants.

"This is not my day off!"

It's not for another week or so. He knows this, because he's been counting the days.

"It is now"

Lunar jumps from his arms, as metallic hands brush grass and dirt off of him. He's set back on his feet, a bit ruffled but clean.

Bloodmoon doesn't waste time, grabbing onto his arm and starting to drag him.

Killcode behind chuckles, and when he looks back, he's giving Lunar a ride.

The little traitor

***

They end up at the mall he was at with Solar Flare.

Fellow shoppers sometimes balk at them, seeing as no one would be insane enough to build a 6 meters tall animatronic, but store owners seem unsurprised. Some of them even greet either Solar Flare or Killcode with the casualness of friendly acquaintances.

Killcode's currently in an impassioned discussion of which is the best gaming console when Eclipse decides to wander off. He's researched this topic excessively, and is fairly certain of his choice.

By the time his family, who've all been looking around in boredom, realises he's missing, he's already paying for a large family console, with support up to eight controllers.

"You were a bit slow." Is all he says to Killcode, who lightly pokes him in retaliation.

The store assistant the great SCP's been chatting with looks mildly disappointed, and Eclipse shoots them a disapproving look. He knows exactly what the man was trying to do.

As they exit he explains his choice, and also what to look out for. Both in products you wish to buy and in store clerks.

Bloodmoon and Lunar look like they forgot every word he said the moment they exited his mouth, but they give him supporting looks. He's never letting them shop on their own.

From the looks of it Killcode's thinking the same.

***

"Ooo, what's that?"

He looks towards the store's window, and is met with a familiar lumpy cushion.

"You mean the beanbag chair?"

Lunar gasps, glued to the glass like he's seeing the best thing in existence.

"This is the bestest thing I've ever seen!"

"That's not a word, but sure"

The rest of their family has already moved on, and he waves off a concerned Killcode. He can handle this.

He sighs and walks into the store, much to the delight of Lunar. The tiny SCP happily skips in after him, vibrating in his excitement.

"You can get one, one you like."

And then the little bot is running off.

He rushes between aisles, almost knocking over people. Some wave it off with a good-natured laugh. Others turn after the little bot with curses. And then there're those who glare towards Eclipse, seemingly getting geared up for a fight.

Most of them get discouraged as Eclipse straightens up to his full height, which is 3 meters. He's not a short animatronic, even if he's not wide nor built like a tank.

"Can't you discipline your child?!"

"He's my brother, not son. If you have a problem I can take you to our father."

The man huffs, but doesn't move away. Seems like they're doing this.

"Eclipse! Eclipse! I want this one! I want this one!"

Lunar tugs him to a dark blue beanbag with yellow suns on it. Eclipse feels like it has some significance, but he doesn't pry when he sees Lunar lovingly pet it. It's a private moment of affection he shouldn't be privy to anyway.

He pays for it, throwing it over his shoulder, before he leads both his excited brother and the fuming man out the store.

Solar Flare said they are in the arts 'n crafts store, so that's where they'll be heading.

"Why's this man here?"

"This man, is going to talk to your father about discipline!"

Lunar only shrugs, clearly not caring. Eclipse feels much the same.

They round a corner, having perfect view of Bloodmoon and Solar Flare exiting.

"Father is inside"

Their grin widens into something a bit malicious when they spy the human male next to them, who really should have dropped this because it just ain't that deep.

"He'll come out when he's done paying "

"Good! His kids are misbehaved miscreants!"

With the way the man has stopped, his back is to the exit of the crafts shop. So, he doesn't see the towering nightmare straightening behind him, clearly displeased by what he heard.

Oh, this will be good

"Is there a problem?"

"Yes, yo—"

To give the man credit, he was looking up. Just not enough.

It's comical how his head is continuing to slowly turn upwards, as he slowly backs away. If Eclipse reaches up to about the thigh of Killcode, this man doesn't even reach his knees.

He's clearly recalculating his next move, rightfully unsure of the large SCP.

"I asked, is there a problem?"

"No-no nothing's wrong!"

He's holding his hands up, shaking his head. His voice is suddenly higher than before, and it's not helped when Killcode's grin widens. He reminds Eclipse of a shark who smelled a drop of blood.

"Lunar almost ran him over. He thought he'd you know, speak with you about discipline."

"I that so?"

Killcode turns towards his youngest, tutting all the while.

"What do we do in these situations Lunar?"

"I'm sorry for almost running you over."

There's nothing sorry about his tone.

"It's fine!"

And then the man is gone. He ran like the hounds of hell are on his trail, like if he stops they'll drag him to hell. Bloodmoon does look like they're considering it.

Eclipse breaks the tentative silence that's fallen between all of them when he starts laughing.

"Oh, that was evil! "

Bloodmoon throws an arm around his shoulder, also joining in on the laughter.

"But so beautiful! So perfect!"

It makes his day just a tiny bit.

***

Even if this is not his day off, he does lead the way to the bakery.

Solar Flare admitted it was unsure to come here without him, because he seemed to be such good friends with the owners.

Cashier sister lets out a delighted whoop as they enter, startling some of the customers.

"There he is! The prodigal customer!"

Eclipse playfully bows in greeting, then steps in line.

When it's their turn, the sister bangs on the door like usual, and as usual, an annoyed chicken answers.

"What?!"

"Honey! The favourite!"

"Oh, please we have no favo— Oh! Our favourite!"

That was a quick switch

"And you brought your sweety of a brother! Along with other people. Who are these Clipsy?"

He lets out a long-suffering sigh, graciously ignoring the cutesy nickname.

"You already know Solar Flare."

It raises a hand in a shy wave. He thinks its fright worsens when the women squeal at it.

"This is Bloodmoon. They're siblings"

"Hello ladies. Treats we'll taksies!"

The lovely store owners are thrown off a bit, but they quickly warm back up to them. While rare, it wasn't entirely unheard off for two AIs to be in the same body.

"This is my father"

He ignores the sudden stillness behind him, pointedly not looking up as he's fairly certain he would be blinded by the sparkles Killcode's radiating. He can almost feel the hearts that are thrown at him.

"And who's this tiny one?"

Eclipse's optics widen in horror, but he's too late to stop it. He can see in what seems like slow motion as Lunar's chest puffs up, and his arms lift in the air.

"I'M LUNAR!"

All is quiet for a while. No one speaks and he's fairly certain he can hear people get up to leave.

"Aww!"

Cashier sister at least seems to appreciate the outburst.

"So uh... I'll just ask for... More than the usual..."

The baker nods her head.

"Family's hard. I'll multiply your last order at least four times."

And then she's ducking back in the kitchen, leaving Eclipse flabbergasted.

They all sit at a table, patiently, or well mostly patiently waiting for their treats.

Bloodmoon and Lunar are with them after all

***

Unlike last time he actually left the facility, which was back when Solar Flare was freed, they don't sneak in.

Instead, they confidentially walk up to the guards, who look like they're about to cry. Eclipse feels like crying as well, but for slightly different reasons.

Bloodmoon fell asleep on him, and their claws are slightly digging into his casing.

It's nothing damaging, but it is uncomfortable.

Solar Flare's carrying Lunar, who's also out like a light. Eclipse has his suspicions that they stayed up all night yesterday, watching some stupid series online.

The duty to carry all their purchases fell solely on Killcode's shoulders, but he doesn't seem bothered by it. He'd probably happily carry all their bags and also all of them at the same time.

Getting back to his room is a bit complicated, because everyone's hands are full. But they manage.

They put the desserts in the fridge with the other food items, place the beanbag on the ground, throw the clothes Killcode got for them in the laundry, and put the game console in a safe place where tiny grabby hands can't reach it.

Solar Flare puts Lunar down on the bed, before going over to help Eclipse detach Bloodmoon. The procedure requires surgical levels of precision, especially if they don't want cranky siblings throwing a tantrum about being woken up. Sometimes Eclipse wonders how they were the eldests.

He quickly showers, ready to collapse in bed himself, and comes out to the sweet sight of all his siblings cuddling in bed.

Him and Killcode share a glance, before the great SCP picks him up and places him on the bed just like old times.

He snuggles into the covers, grateful for all the pillows and blankets. When the nightmare lays down behind him, his sleepy processors decide the best course of action is to nuzzle back.

It earns him an airy chuckle, and a nuzzle of his own, but he doesn't care.

He's warm, he's safe, and in this moment he'll allow himself to love.

***

Setting the game console up next day is a nightmare, especially with an overactive toddler sized midget running all around hollering in excitement.

Eclipse thinks this is the kid's first sugar rush, so he'll forgive him for now for all the setbacks.

Bloodmoon is greatly enjoying the strawberry lava cake, if them cackling about drinking its blood is anything to go by.

Solar Flare's quietly eating its salted caramel diamond, looking mighty pleased with the purchase, and very excited for the console. Its constantly asking if he's done yet, which is endearing.

Killcode's quietly eating a forest fruit cake, lending his magical prowess to help set up the console's power supply.

The entire family is on the edge of their seat as he connects all eight controllers, and then everyone's making suggestions about what sort of games to buy.

Lunar wants everything and anything, the more attention grabbing the better, Bloodmoon wants gory horror, Solar Flare wants heavily story focused games, and Killcode seems to gravitate towards more relaxing or charming games.

By the end of the online shopping spree, he's glad he bought extra storage for the console.

They end up playing a co-op game with cute catlike creatures, with supposedly innovational AI. They are terrible at it. Except for Killcode, who seems incapable of dying to a predator.

It's a bit annoying at times, but he's having fun. When he looks around himself, dead yet again, he finds the others having fun too.

He looks down, smiling softly to himself.

Just this once

Chapter Text

Having a gaming console installed in his room came with the obvious repercussions of not having any peace and quiet.

Lunar was constantly either glued to it, or the tv. It filled his once peaceful room with constant noise, and Lunar has an insatiable desire to play games with all of them.

And that truly means all of them.

But Eclipse has work to do, a department he's been slacking in since the SCPs appeared in his life, and so simply doesn't have either the time or the energy to spend playing with Lunar, no matter how much he wants to.

"I have work to do"

"Your job is boooriiing!"

He'd beg to differ, but once the tiny menace sets his mind, it's almost impossible to convince him otherwise. It's a very annoying trait.

"Go away Lunar, I'm busy"

"You're always busy!"

It's leading to constant bickering, constant conflict. He simply lacks the energy to focus on all of his family, and Lunar's never been told no this many times in a row. It's causing issues.

"Come and play with us!"

"Can't right now. I'm busy"

He truly regrets saying no to the kid, but this is his dream job. He wants to keep it. Even if it is bad for his mental health.

If the Foundation decides he's expendable, they'll surely get rid of him. And while they may afford humans the option of amnestics, Eclipse is fairly certain they'd just off him.

Animatronics are barely not classified as SCPs. Sole reason they're not locked in is because they're useful.

"Don't even ask. I can't."

He truly hates the disappointment he's causing. He'll make it right though, once he has the time.

But he has a nagging feeling he's been doing more work than he should. It wouldn't be the first time someone tried taking advantage of the robots.

They shouldn't be trying it with an old animatronic though. A younger one might not have noticed it.

"You. Will. Play. With. Me."

"I. Don't. Have. The. Time."

After that it's not hard to follow the trail back to the foolish human that thinks him an idiot.

Terrifyingly, threatening them comes naturally.

The perks of having SCPs glued to his side he guesses. Bloodmoon and Killcode are very good teachers and very good deterrents.

"Can you play with me?"

"You know what? Sure"

Juggling relationships with work is not easy, especially when you're used to being isolated.

But Eclipse thinks he can give it a try

***

Apparently using the kitchen that one time gave Killcode the impression that Eclipse is somehow interested in cooking.

Now he's constantly on Eclipse's case, and he's somewhat become an unofficial kitchen helper.

He's not complaining. At least not that much.

"Eclipse can you cut the onions?"

"Sure"

He even got him a stool he can stand on to reach the counter.

The SCP has been teaching him different cooking techniques, teaching him about different spice combinations and almost perfect ways to prepare meat, so it stays juicy.

He's also learned a couple dessert recipes, and he thinks Killcode is working their way up to lava cakes.

It's almost idyllic, making breakfast in the morning, or dinner in the afternoon.

Only negative is him not seeing lunch auntie and lunch uncle that much.

But he thinks he can live with that, even if Killcode does come off as slightly patronising at times.

Especially when he doesn't keep grabby hands to himself, and randomly starts grooming his rays.

Ever since meeting the SCPs he's learned that he can be turned into putty if they massage his rays correctly.

It's a cheap tactic Killcode abuses.

Go figure

***

Solar Flare has invited him a couple times to pose for paintings. It's nothing too stressful, and it can usually be convinced to paint him while he's working.

But there are times like this, when the SCP decides it doesn't like the way he's sitting.

So currently, he's sprawled out on the office couch, a hand casually thrown over the backrest as Solar Flare attempts their best to paint him.

He feels like he's a French girl being drawn.

It doesn't help that he's been told to keep his face soft, focused on something. This was first achieved by putting a piece of paper in his hand.

Now he's just playing minesweeper.

It's honestly quite boring, but for them, he'll manage. They're the best sibling after all.

"Could you bend your knee more?"

"Sure"

Staying completely still like this without locking his joints for hours is pure torture. He never thought he was the restless type until this started happening.

But his discomfort is rewarded with a happy Solar Flare, a sight well worth.

And if he happens to spy the painting on the wall in his room later, he just shakes his head with a grin.

***

Bloodmoon seems eager to provide.

Whether that's food, comfort or companionship doesn't matter.

They latch on, much like a leech funnily enough, and don't let go until they deem you sufficiently taken care of.

It's a trait he thinks they got from Killcode.

They're the most aware of how soft he truly is, seeing as to this day they're the only ones who pierced his casing on purpose. Solar Flare's fall on top of him doesn't count, because he doubts it noticed how easily its chassis cut through his own.

And so, they're sometimes a bit overbearing with him. But he knows they, mostly, mean well. Even if sometimes they struggle to express that. They seem to express this care and well-meaning through hunting.

Eclipse has taken to keeping the animals they capture him, pinning them or even attempting taxidermy.

So far it's with very mixed results.

But the face they made when he pinned that cool looking snake on the wall was worth it.

They seem to realise he doesn't eat random animals that are unprepared after that. So now they don't try to feed him dead racoons anymore.

Instead, they seem to be attempting making jewellery, but their attempts are rather crude. Still, he does wear them at least once. This pleases them immensely.

Now they force him to eat normal food instead, not leaving him alone until they'd made sure he emptied his plate. Even if he doesn't need to eat.

"Eclipseman come. It's lunch time."

"I'm coming, I'm coming"

He knows better than to fight it. They will get their way, and they will make sure he's taken care of. Even if it's sometimes to the detriment of their relationship. Being well fed seems important to them.

And well, being taken care of is not the worst think to have ever happened to him.

Even if he thinks he could do without the dead bugs.

***

SCP-13666 seems to be in a low pull mode. So long as Eclipse is not near at least.

Like all the other SCPs, Lunar has also taken to avoiding the damn thing like it has the plague. Eclipse is honestly not surprised, and he'll be the first to admit that it's understandable. He wishes he could avoid it too.

But it's part of his job to study the thing, and he did promise, even if not out loud, to the family that he'll get their still imprisoned ones back.

That means getting up close and personal with the damn thing.

It at least helps that he now knows how many people are in there.

According to Bloodmoon, their uncles and father are triplets, but the two uncles still in there are unnaturally close. They like to hang off of one another, figuratively, and usually wandered together even when they had their freedom.

They're also probably in a panic, fearing for the worst about their loved ones' disappearance.

According to them, the inside of SCP-13666 is a white blank space, that seemingly stretches on forever. Only what they think is its central point serves as an entrance, however staying near it is detrimental. It gives off energies that disorient them, and they feared should they not leave it occasionally they'd go insane.

So they often times split up, in the hopes that they may find an exit, agreeing to meet back at the centre every couple of whatever. Time works weird in there, and they did not feel its passage. They thought they'd been in there for months at worst.

So when their father didn't show up, they feared he'd lost his way as they called it. Something in the way they said it terrified them, and in turn, Eclipse as well.

So now he knows that there're two people in there, and no more. They're the two uncles, same age as Killcode. Their names are Sun and Moon.

He got that last one from Lunar, who seems cheery and positive. His full faith is in Eclipse, fully believing he'll deliver his uncles. Just like all the other SCPs, even if their optimism is a bit lessened, having lost their child-like joy or never having it.

It's a humbling faith. He's not sure he can measure up to their beliefs.

Still, he'll try.

He won't let himself have another choice

***

"Can we go to the bakery? "

He thinks about it for a bit getting lost in fantasies of coffee pudding cake, homemade chocolate, triple chocolate cupcake, lava cakes and Nutella muffins.

He doesn't have to think long.

"Sure, my free day's finally coming up. I usually visit it then, but I've been... busy the last couple of months"

Solar Flare tilts its head

"Are you speaking of the time when I was freed?"

"Yepp, haven't gone there since, so I missed a couple of months. Or well, that was the case since last week. Still have to make up for it"

It nods, seeming to understand.

The treats from the bakery got eaten the day they were taken out the fridge, so he couldn't enjoy the delights for too long. Especially when he seemed to have a new contender for family sweet tooth in the form of Lunar, who despite his small size, could shove unholy amounts of food down his gullet.

It's terrifying

"But I meant now."

"But I—"

He cuts himself off as he looks around his office. He's mostly done, and it's the end of his shift.

"Ah to hell with it! Let me dress in something more comfortable."

It does a happy little shimmy, eyes their happy little squints, and follows him to his room.

He decides against grabbing his wallet, waving Solar Flare off who diligently grabbed it for him anyway. They look confused.

He casually walks out of the facility, ignoring the shocked shouts of the guards behind him, who yet again, reacted too late.

"You don't want to go anywhere but to the bakery?"

"Lunar wants glitter pens."

"Of course he does. Here's to hoping he won't actually eat it this time. Colour?"

"Blue."

Eclipse shakes his head, but what did he expect? Lunar's apparently colour blind, or has a malfunction of some sort, and can only discern blue.

"There's only blue and glowing!"

It is yet again something that completely haunts him. He thinks he wasn't this scared of Killcode that first time.

"Won't we need your wallet for purchasing the sweets?"

"Who said anything about buying? You said you only wanted to go!"

Maybe he shouldn't tease Solar Flare, because he looks like he took him seriously. Now he feels bad.

The rest of the bus ride is awkward, despite Eclipse doing his best to try and comfort them. He thinks he might have just ruined their day.

Not matter. He'll make it right.

He leads them to the bakery first, intent on grabbing them a treat before they continue shopping a bit. He thinks he'll only get everyone's favourites today.

"Hello again! Back so soon?"

"Yes. We'll only grab a couple things. No need to get Chica."

Solar Flare gloomily looks at him, as if not believing any word he says. He'll have to reconsider his big sibling tactics.

"Card or?"

He raises his hand, and his brother tilts its head.

He presses the hand against the terminal, shuddering at the dreadful feeling of something connecting to his systems even if only briefly, and sighs in relief when it's done.

"You should really come here more often honey! We love having you!"

"Oh, I'm sure"

They leave the bakery behind, and he can feel the question waiting to be asked.

"If you have a question you know you're more than welcome to ask"

"You left your wallet. How did you pay?"

"Easy. My systems are connected to my bank account."

It seems to mull that information over, before nodding.

"That seems practical."

It is. Even if it can feel pretty violating. He's eternally grateful for shop owners who give animatronics the choice to use card terminals, seeing as his is not an uncommon problem for older models.

Although using one's own body is the preferred paying methods for humans, who for some reason feel better about animatronics paying like that. He had to argue his case at the bank he made an account at to be granted the blessing known as a card.

"I don't like using it personally, but there are benefits to it"

And he'll only leave it at that. Solar Flare, thankfully, doesn't press.

When they go home with their bounty, they're bombarded with questions and grabby hands wanting the snacks. They're almost overwhelmed.

Thank god for Killcode's strict no dessert before dinner policy.

Eclipse does have a bad feeling about the glint in the others' optics though.

***

Bloodmoon grabbing him out of nowhere is sadly not as rare an occurrence as he'd like it to be. He adapted, and life moved on.

Bloodmoon randomly grabbing him, and pulling him out of the facility, in broad daylight, is not something he was used to.

"Bloodmoon what—?"

"It's high time you came hunting with us! Yes, yes! That beautiful crimson painting your claws! Show us what you can do brother! "

He doesn't try fighting against them, knowing full well they'll overpower him. It's one of their best skills at this point.

"I know nothing about hunting!"

That gives them a pause, stopping on the hill he rolled around on with Lunar on their 'family day out'. They seem to really think it over, even getting into a discussion with each other if them bashing their head into their fists is anything to go by.

They growl and snarl, but he's not worried. This is normal Bloodmoon on Bloodmoon communication. No domestic abuse, only violence.

But they're both happy participants of that.

"Then we'll teach you! We'll guide you."

That's not as reassuring as he thinks they meant it to be.

"Might as well"

They cheer, then begin dragging him once again. He makes note of their surroundings, figuring that's somewhat a good place to start when one goes hunting. He's watched documents before, he knows how animals hunt. How ancient SCPs do it? Not so much.

"The way uncle Moon hunts would be good for you. He doesn't like crawling much and he's about your size. He's not that strong either, probably better still than you Eclipseman!"

He doesn't rise at the jab, but he does swipe at them for their shit-eating grin. Little brats the both of them.

They reach the edge of a forest, where their demeanour immediately changes. They lower themselves to the ground, encouraging him to at least crawl.

It's a bit humiliating. He's unused to crawling, unsure how to move silently, unsure where to place his feet, and has no idea what to do with his hands.

He's woefully out of his element.

They have to wait for him multiple times, but despite their grumbling, they never leave him behind. They make sure he's always in their vicinity and they dutifully keep an eye on him.

He feels awfully like some baby animal, leaving the nest for the first time to watch the adult hunt. He doesn't like it.

Still, he tries his best because he can tell they're really excited and this means a lot to them. Even if he doesn't quite understand, he'll try his best. Even if he's more hindrance than not.

He's pretty sure he's so far been scaring more prey away than not.

After what feels like hours he gets the hang of it, enough to at least not step on every twig in existence anyway, and feels like that maybe, if nothing else, his sneaking skills will be better after this. The one good thing about this whole situation.

He tries imitating them to the best of his abilities, but soon finds it doesn't work. His frame is too large for their style of movement, and he's too inexperienced for their skilled gait.

Instead, he experiments, and finds something that works for him.

He ends up on all fours, if they speak of this he will gut them, crawling around more like some feline than the Tarzan like approach he initially went for. He pulls his rays in halfway and dials his optics' sensitivity down so they won't glow so strong.

His movements are awkward, but after a bit of practice he's silent enough. Not on the same level as Bloodmoon, and nowhere near Killcode though. Still, this is good enough for him!

He doesn't plan on making this a habit.

They continue on like this, crawling around the shrubbery, and Eclipse thinks if another bush scratches him he's going to lose it, but then the terror twins are perking up. They're looking forward rather intently, zeroed in on the same spot. Somewhere before them, is food then.

He dares rise up a bit, catching sight of what appears to be a stag wandering on its lonesome. It's a rather young specimen based on the unimpressive antlers, but it looks to be in good health. Too bad it won't stay like that.

Bloodmoon turns to look at him expectantly, and he thinks they forgot the lesson part of this outing in their excitement. Not exactly unusual for them.

He slinks forward at their insistent stare, trying his best to disguise his presence. He doesn't think he's doing a fine job of that, but it hasn't noticed him yet, so he'll sneak up a bit more.

He's objectively aware of how animals hunt, but just because he has intellectual knowledge of something doesn't mean he can replicate the results. He has no practical knowledge of hunting, so he can only try to imitate what he sees, while fighting down embarrassment at crawling along like some creature.

What's a good range? How close does he need to be to it to pounce? He's well aware his model can make some really impressive jumps, and he also snatched children up before, and the occasional D-class, but he never grappled with an animal before. The scale of strength is too equal here for his liking.

He makes it within a five-meter distance when it seems to sense something's wrong. Its head darts around, dark eyes locked on him within seconds, not too hard seeing as he's sticking out like a sore thumb, and he lunges.

His claws sink into its neck somehow, but he's not optimistic enough to believe he accomplished anything. He winds his legs around the poor animal, and he thinks he hears something crunch as he clamps down with his thighs.

The beast rears back, making him tighten his hold just to not fall down, and he thinks he actually, genuinely hates Bloodmoon as it starts an uncoordinated galloping, taking himself with it.

He's not sure who's more scared, it or him, and he's not ashamed to admit he might have dug his claws in more because of fright. Still, he can feel himself slipping.

But he lets go entirely on his own when it decides to throw its whole body into a tree. He has no desire to be crushed.

He stares after it as it runs, and something in him urges him to run after it. To give chase. It's that very same part of him which grabbed that D-class all those years ago, when rumours of his insanity started, and twisted the man's head off, tearing both spine and flesh. He doesn't like to think back to that.

He ignores that part, singing with the thrill of the hunt, picking himself up of the ground instead. He's no common beast.

Unlike Bloodmoon, who all too happily give chase. They tear after it cackling, and he shudders at the memories. They sound too similar to that night. They cut in front of the injured creature quickly, and as it turns tail, back towards him, he can see why they caught up so easily.

One of its shoulder joints juts out at an awkward angle, and he thinks it might just still be going on pure desperation and adrenaline. It clearly sees him as he sees it, and he's not surprised it decides to continue charging at him.

He's the less threatening target.

He can feel his body tensing, programs pinging danger danger danger repeatedly, and he knows he'll get trampled if he doesn't do anything.

He lets that feeling take over his body, side-stepping its frantic approach. He grabs the antlers and wrenches, twisting with all his might. He hears cracking, tearing, its desperate cries as he continues to pull, and then crack, the body continues forward as the head and spine disconnect, and he's hit with that same sick vertigo from all those years ago, when he held a man's head similar to this.

He stares at the head, then at the body uncomprehendingly, and he thinks he might just throw up.

He barely registers Bloodmoon cheering next to him, arm slinging over his shoulders as they grin triumphantly at him. He doesn't quite register what's there to be happy about.

There's a deep satisfaction in him, and he throws the head aside like it's worth nothing. Bloodmoon grabs the body, and he lets them, following like the obedient little animatronic he was made to be.

Blood is spilled all over him, and he scoffs in the desperation that it'll make him feel something that's not sick, twisted joy. It doesn't work. It never does, when he gives in.

Bloodmoon sings his praises and shows off the body so proudly to their family too.

"Eclipse hunted with us! What delightful bloodshed! He oh so nicely set it up for us, but we gave it to him instead."

That night's dinner is made from the venison of the deer, and he almost threw up, despite it being impossible. He doesn't know what to do with that tiny part that sings in delight at the bloodshed he caused.

He doesn't think the others quite know what the issue is, and they most definitely can't help. He's not sure even he fully knows what's wrong with him. He's just faulty. Makes him wonder how he never killed any kids. With the eagerness for violence lying dormant just beneath his pretend skin, the happiness spreading through him when he inflicts suffering on others...

He doesn't know if his sadism is a malfunction the humans accidentally put in him, or if he's the problem.

He hates that sick twisted joy. Hates how it takes hold if he's not careful. Hates why this place is like a dream for him.

He hates how it makes him feel.

***

Lunar couldn't possibly find the worst times to bother him with requests he can't fulfil if he tried.

"I wanna go outside and see the flowers on the hill!"

It's only been two days since Bloodmoon dragged him out to hunt, and he's still moping around. It's like he's licking metaphorical wounds he has, but there's nothing hurting. It's just him and his mess of feelings.

He's not sure he has the energy right now to go out with Lunar, heck he doubts he has the energy to be with Lunar right now.

He's just simply... not good company right now.

"Don't know if I can go with you"

The smile drops from the little face, confusion and worry taking its place.

"But you're not busy right now. And being outside is fun!"

"I still can't"

Lunar's too loud for him right now, and he fears he might do something he'll regret if he goes with the SCP right now. He's not quite in control of some of his urges when he gets like this. And the urge to defend with violence is ever so strong.

It's not something he likes to use. There's a reason why he did all he could to push it down, to find different methods to deal with problems. He's snapped at too many kids back in the day, never hurting them physically thank god, but he'd come way too close for his liking.

He doesn't want to test his current limits with his baby brother right now.

"I'm feeling down Lunar"

"That's why I wanna take you! Flowers cheer me up"

It's a sweet thought, but the prospect of standing up and shambling outside makes him feel ill.

Although flowers might be good.

"And Bloodmoon and Solar Flare are all worried about you! And I am too! You don't play like you should."

He harrumphs, crossing his arms, and Eclipse gives the tiniest of snorts. It seems enough for Lunar right now as he lights right back up.

He's not sure how to feel about the declaration he doesn't play, and what it entails entirely, but he guesses Lunar means he doesn't relax. Which is ridiculous, because he's been relaxing too much thanks to the SCPs.

But he'll admit, he's not blind to his family's worry, and he can clearly see Solar Flare and Bloodmoon looking at him with mild fear. He thinks they're reminded of that first movie night, and they don't know what to do to help.

They're doing enough just by being themselves, even if he'd appreciate not being dragged out to the woods again. He doesn't want a repeat of that.

Lunar grabs his hand, and starts tugging at him. He thinks about snapping at the tiny bot, pushing him away so he'll leave him alone, but he silences those thoughts. He doesn't actually want to do any of that. It's just faulty defence programming acting up because it couldn't stay dead. It'll pass.

He lets himself be tugged out, albeit reluctantly, and his mood turns sour as soon as the sun touches him. It's too bright, the wind's too strong, the birds sound irritating, and there're bugs. He hates bugs.

He's sat down in the middle of a ring of wildflowers and just like that, he gets left alone when Lunar scampers off.

He takes in a deep vent, startling himself with the smell of the flowers around him. He takes a moment to take them in, and his mood lifts just the tiniest bit. Maybe it wasn't a complete mistake to come out here.

He picks a dandelion, twirling the tiny flower between his fingers, and wonders at its hardy nature. It grows out of cracks, out of anything really, and is basically unstoppable once it appears. It's a being of pure spite, and Eclipse strives to be just like it.

Continuing to go on, despite everything, on sheer spite alone. It's inspiring in its own way.

Lunar runs back up, hands filled with flowers of all kinds. He's grinning wide, eyes shimmering in excitement.

"Let’s make flower crowns!"

It sounds stupid and childish, but Eclipse only shakes his head before accepting the flowers. He knows how to weave the delicate plants into crowns.

They sit in silence for a bit, and Eclipse is thankful. The sounds of nature help him relax, and he's getting lost in the methodical motions of one above and one under. He pushes out his depressive feelings for just a bit. For now, he's here. He can worry about everything later.

"Uncle Sunny always helped me make flower crowns too! His were better, but don't you dare tell him!"

He places a hand over where his heart would be giving a solemn nod.

"My mouth shan't open."

Lunar makes a show of scrutinising him, and then grins.

This is the second piece of information he learned of the mysterious uncles on this week. It's some kind of record. Solar Flare and Killcode didn't speak of anyone else.

Lunar jumps up suddenly, standing on his tippytoes to place a slightly wobbly flower crown on his head. He obligingly allows this.

When he straightens back up he finds the added weight on his head to be almost reassuring. It helps anchor him further.

He places his own crown on Lunar's head in turn, earning a delighted giggle.

They continue sitting out, picking flowers for the rest of the day, until their arms are full and their clothes smell of pollen.

Eclipse knows this peace of mind is only temporary, knows his worries will rear their ugly head when tomorrow comes, but for now, he's calm.

For now, he'll enjoy taking the flowers back to his room to surprise everyone else as well.

The room being decorated with the fragile things brings a smile to his face.

***

He wishes for that peace now, as he looks over stacks of paperwork, and his temper rears its ugly head.

The thoughts to hurt came back fast after the sweet day out, killing any semblance of good mood he had left. He's back to being hissy one minute, only to turn gloomy the next. He hates this.

He hates the unprompted scenarios where he hurts people even more. He'd claim he's not violent by nature, but when he looks at an annoying co-worker and sees himself strangling them, he thinks he might just be more screwed up than he thought.

He knows these thoughts will fade, knows the moment his attention is not constantly straying to them he'll forget about his sadism like how someone might forget about their breathing after being hyper-aware of it. He knows it's a disgustingly uncomfortable process, sometimes taking days or just hours, but knowing something will be fixed doesn't help in the moment.

Especially when the source of the problem is something that shouldn't be there.

Even now he's staring at the paper on his desk, and fantasises about murdering someone. That's not good.

He can't stop it though.

He's so out of it he doesn't register the presence in the room until a finger brushes against his shoulder, making him jump.

Killcode stands before him in all his glory, and Eclipse wishes to scream. He had a feeling this was coming.

The large SCP tilts his head, before motioning with his head to follow. Eclipse is helpless to resist.

He follows his father out of the office, out of the facility, out into the forest. He doesn't want to be here.

But Killcode doesn't lower himself, he only walks with the grace and confidence of a born predator. Seems like they aren't here to hunt this time. That's a relief. Eclipse is not sure he could take that right now.

They walk in silence, and it makes him fidget. He's fairly certain he recognises the part of the forest they're in, and he'd give anything to not be here right now. It's making his whole problem worse.

Anger boils under the surface, but he keeps it down. Killcode doesn't deserve to be snapped at. If anyone, it's him who should be spared from that.

"This bothers you."

While it's worded as such, it's not a question. Killcode already knows the answer, so he doesn't see the need to truly ask. What he means though, that is a question.

"The forest? Yeah, I don't like—"

"You're bothered to show your nature."

He's surprised to be cut off, and even more surprised by the words themselves. He's not sure he ever wants to hear them again.

He scoffs, looking away, desperately holding in the cutting words something in him wants to spill.

"It's not in my nature! I don't want it!"

Deep crimson eyes look at him, piercing his very lack of a soul. The great animatronic looks right through him, and Eclipse hates how known it makes him feel.

"Is it not in everyone's nature to eat? Is it not part of nature to hurt?"

He lets out a growl, feeling the tip of his claws unsheathe.

"It's not part of anything's nature to hurt those they care for!"

The words are out of his mouth before he can stop them, and he desperately wishes to take them back. He said too much.

Killcode blinks at him, seemingly surprised. But he just chuffs, stopping before Eclipse. He places a hand on his head, careful as ever with the rays nestled there.

For a couple moments they don't speak, and Eclipse soaks up the offered comfort.

"That may be true. But have you ever thought that perhaps being hurt made you so?"

And then he's walking again like he hadn't just shattered something in Eclipse. Like he hadn't just carved a deeper place for himself in his ice-cold chest, just to spitefully melt it all down around himself. Like he's not making Eclipse care for him all the more.

Unbidden, tears start welling up in his optics, and he curses, swiping at them. He doesn't want to cry right here.

But there's never been anyone who acknowledged that Eclipse might have been hurt. That he suffered. That years of isolation and being ignored, looked down on, degraded, abused and separated from everything good might leave a permanent mark.

Why is it that the only one to acknowledge this, is someone supposed to be a monster? Why is the nightmare better than the sweetest of dreams? Why does he bring more calm than strife?

Why? Isn't that just the question?

Even now, the illusion of continuing on is just that. Killcode stopped a couple trees away, pretending to observe something in the tree crown. He's giving him privacy, he realises, and that just unearths the bitter feelings more.

Tears slide down his cheeks, and he curses them. Why should he cry so much in the presence of this great ancient beast?

He feels like Theseus who's been sent in to murder the monster of the labyrinth, but instead realised the minotaur cared more for him than his supposed admirers ever did.

It's unfair

The deep sick feeling within unclenches, and finally after days of torment, it lets up.

Has he ever thought being hurt made him bitter? Yes. Yes he did. It wasn't a hard thing to figure out.

But has he ever realised being hurt made him want to hurt others? No. No he hadn't.

Others didn't. So why would he?

People were always quick to say the problem was with him, quick to say it was a fault of his. Nobody said that because the world was cruel, he in turn became cruel as well.

No one told him it might not be his fault that he wishes to see others suffer.

It isn't a perfect balm, but for now at least, it is an explanation. For now, it helps him calm down, to take in a deep vent, and perhaps let go of just the tiniest bit of hurt.

He can do something with this. This can be the start of something.

He thinks so long as those crimson eyes continue to look at him kindly, he might just heal a bit.

He rejoins Killcode on their walk. They don't talk again, but they don't need to.

Later when they go back to the Foundation facility, they go their own ways. Killcode back to his room, and Eclipse to a very familiar containment chamber.

He needs to do something.

"Dr Smith!"

The man stands at attention.

"Ready everything. I want the next extraction attempt as soon as possible!"

The man nods, and hurries to do just as he was told.

The fire of determination hasn't extinguished ever since it formed in his chest, but it still reignites every time he's reminded why he's here.

He's going to do this. He's going to free them all.

No matter what it takes

***

It takes only two days for everything to be ready. He's all geared up and people he trusts are at the ready behind him.

If he has his way, this ends now.

He makes sure the rope is securely tied around his waist before he grabs the tungsten rod with all his strength.

His family is in the room right now as well, waiting on the sidelines anxiously. Except Bloodmoon, who took up their position at the rear yet again. It seems like they won't leave this up to chance.

Good. Eclipse won't either.

He nods to his bear friend, waiting for a confirmation before he approaches the steadily humming form of SCP-13666.

Like last time, the moment he steps over the safety line the deceptively light pull switches into something frantic and strong. The battle of forces has begun anew, but he plans to be the sole victor.

He won't give himself another choice.

He lets himself be tugged towards the burning barrier, and just like the last couple of times he inserts the pole, now decorated with additional chicken scratches from Lunar.

He waits as he slowly slides towards its hateful brightness, clenching his teeth in a snarl. He hates this stupid prison.

A minute passes with nothing but his steady slide towards SCP-13666, and he can see from the corner of his vision how his family tenses.

Then there's a sudden pull on the rod, and he unexpectedly slides several feet closer.

He can feel weight on the rod, and he's fairly certain both people still in there latched on.

He plants his feet and begins pulling, but it doesn't do much. The prison has seemingly upped its game, and it continues to slowly, insistently pull him in. The extra weight on the other side doesn't help.

Only reason he's not sailing through the air towards the pyramid like structure is Bloodmoon's impossible strength. Without it he's sure to have been a captive by now.

Still, he doesn't give up.

He heaves backwards with all his might, and he manages to take a step back. Now to do that in an efficient fashion where he's making actual progress that doesn't get lost the next second.

He continues struggling, and then much to his horror, he hears something snap.

He looks behind himself, and can see that the fibre of the robe is beginning to give. From the eyes of the war machine, he knows the bear sees it too.

If they aren't quick enough, the rope will snap.

He begins pulling with a new desperation, but it's for nothing.

He's steadily losing ground, tungsten rod sliding in deeper and deeper while he's getting closer and closer.

He leans back, trying to stop sliding, but it's for naught. SCP-13666 seems hellbent on winning.

Another worrying snap behind him, and if he could, he'd be sweating. He can feel the pull around his middle lessen, leaving him almost to the mercy of the prison.

There's a cry somewhere behind him, and he slides several feet closer again.

His hands are almost touching the barrier, and this close up he can feel it burn. It nearly blinds him, and he trashes backwards, because this isn't how it's supposed to be.

He's pulled forward again, and in one moment he almost comes into contact with SCP-13666 again. And then in the next, he's lurched backwards.

He hears a snap, losing grip of the pole in his hands, and he can see it fully be pulled in as he sails through the air.

The rope gave out he thinks, and he wonders why he's flying away from the burning barrier he was just in front of.

His answer comes in the form of large hands grabbing him out of the air, pulling him close to a giant body.

Killcode looks panicked as he looks him over for injuries, but aside from shock he's fine.

He pushes himself up into as close a sitting position as he can get while held, and he scratches at his head as he takes in the scene.

Many people are on the floor, but thankfully no one's over the safety line. People are all accounted for, and safe.

His siblings crowd him, asking questions a mile a minute, and he can only wave them off. He's a bit disoriented.

He's held tightly by his father, and he knows he won't be let go of tonight.

But still, he can't quite process what just happened. One moment he was almost touching the barrier, the next, he was out of danger.

He's confused despite objectively knowing what just happened, and he wonders if this is some sort of side effect of SCP-13666.

But there're more worrying things.

He lost

***

The return to his room is silent that night. None of them feel especially energetic.

True to his suspicions, Killcode isn't so willing to let him go. He carries him around, periodically squeezing him as if afraid he'll disappear.

Failure is bitter as he tries to choke it down, faced with his inability to provide as he is yet again. Maybe he's gotten too sure of success, that he forgot how naive and optimistic the notion that he can free them is. He won't make the same mistake again.

He curls against the body holding him, letting go for just a moment. The world won't end in the second he recuperates.

There's a rumble from that chest, and there're hands holding him. One cold and metallic, one warm with blunt fingers and an impossibly tiny one. There're whispers of comfort, but he doesn't register them.

He'll get up. Just in a moment.

He allows himself to drift a bit, senseless to the world so hellbent on breaking him. He'll not give it that satisfaction.

When he opens his optics he can see all of his family, crowding him. None of them look angry, if anything they look lost.

That he doesn't understand.

He reaches out with a hand, grabbing hold of shoulder spikes and waist ruffles and a fluffy cape, pulling each and every one of them onto the couch Killcode perched upon.

He doesn't say anything, and waves away their concern.

He just needs to recalibrate. Find a different approach. Figure out a way to win.

He can more than do it so long as these people keep looking at him like that.

***

The next day he invites everyone to sit down and play a game together. Because it is so rare for him to initiate no one argues.

They end up playing Rain World, the game with the cute cat-like creatures, which has become something of a family favourite.

Eclipse, while he's greatly improved and has become quite good if he does say so himself, is still the worst out of them all, the most likely to be caught by predators.

But since that first gaming session he's learned much about these people.

They're natural predators, apexes of their habitat. They stalk, they hunt, they kill.

It comes naturally to them to avoid predators, even in-game ones, unlike for him. The second most likely to be caught is Lunar, and that's just because of his inexperience. Eclipse is sure even the little bot could kill in the coldest of bloods.

And Eclipse, sitting next to these great beings, feels like prey.

Compared to them, he is such. He's surprised they haven't commented on it yet.

He's waiting for the day they'll realise he's nothing but prey

***

Trial and error is the way of things.

It is required to truly master something, because unless you fail you'll never learn what truly is right. It requires hard work and no dallying.

And so, he's sitting in his office, trying his best not to bash his head in as he tries figuring out how to get the two remaining captives out when they insist on being freed at the same time and SCP-13666 insists on being a dick about it.

Truly he is blessed to work at such a place.