Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The night air was cold against his skin and Spamton could feel the nipping chill poke at his nose. This however, didn’t deter the mailman from his duty. Everyday he had a routine of trying to find something to sell in his shop. While yes, Spamton’s main gig was being a mailman for the residents of Waterfall. But that never cut it for him financially. He also needed to stay on the good side of the nearby residents if he could help it. Spamton was small, and as much as he hated to admit it, he could easily be killed by a larger monster due to his size. He probably should find a way to protect himself. That’s what he was thinking about when he walked to the nearby riverside.

The river delivered many gifts for the small monster. From toys he could easily get coins from kids for. Sometimes even tools he could use to fix his deteriorating home. It had been a minute since he’d visited the riverside specifically. Due to heavy rain it had been flooded the past couple of weeks.

“Nothing to check for if it was already underwater.” he thought to himself.

A light caught his attention. Something shiny or metal was reflecting from under a large pile of trashbags, moss, algae, and lost clothes. Spamton could smell the potential money from the large pile. So of course he ran to it. Gently, but with fervor, he lifted one of the lighter garbage bags and instantly frowned.

Of course… it was a busted old tv.

No way would the thing even think of turning on. After moping about for a couple of minutes, Spamton realized his time maybe wasn’t completely wasted. The mailman could simply scavenge it for parts. And so, he takes his handy screwdriver from his trusty mail bag and tries to lift the tv to get to the back panels. There is a problem though. Spamton knew CRTs were heavy… but this heavy? He tugged more until a loud-

CRACK!

The sound came from under the pile of trash. Spamton, now on edge, started to hear mechanical whirring. Then suddenly, the large mossy pile of trash started to writhe. This was the final straw that made Spamton run. He ran until he reached a safe distance where he could still watch but get away in case… Whatever it was under the molding pile decided to chase him away. He watched silently as the pile shifted more. Finally, a foot popped out of the bags. Then a leg, and another leg, and finally an arm. Appendages this large could only belong to a creature that was at least 10 foot tall, if not more… Spamton watched as the body tried to sit up.

Only then did he realise the TV was attached to it.

The TV was its head.

The screen stayed black as the body flopped over, seemingly too weak to move anymore. The small mailman then got an idea. He waited until the figure was still again, then he searched the dump to find something to tow the strange creature back to his home. He ended up finding an old child's wagon.
When he returned to the television, it was still. After what seemed like hours, and through all of his strength, he finally was able to get the body into the wagon. The limbs of the creature hung out of the sides, but it would have to do. Surprisingly, throughout the whole ordeal of individually lifting the limbs and loading it’s body into the wagon, the tv didn’t respond once. Spamton slowly but surely wheeled the beast back to his humble abode. Now was the fun part. Fixing it.

Even though the machinery was large and daunting, Spamton was bored and determined. If he could get a body guard… well, this was his chance. He also could make the creature his slave so he wouldn’t have to be the one digging in peoples’ trash anymore! This was just the perfect find for the small monster. After hours of grueling work, it was much better.

Now all Spamton had to do was hit the power button on the tv’s head.

When he hit the “POWER” button, the tv whirred on, the screen slowly fuzzing to life. It shone a dark green color, and some spots still appeared black from the numerous cracks that riddled the screen. The clothes that were stuck to the rusting body were shreds. Spamton would find properly fitting attire for the beast later. Well, most of the components were covered anyways. The tv weakly reached to the buttons on its side and clicked one a couple of times. A volume bar appeared on the screen, and while the mailman was on edge, he was also intrigued. “Welcome to my [DEAR] casa stranger! Make yourself at home comfy! You have a lot of [PS] work to do soon!” The beast tilted its large head. Then it laughed. Loudly it chuckled, and Spamton knew he had messed up. He was going to die to the monster he had fixed. He knew this was a bad idea-

“Well of course I have work to do, I have a new audience member to entertain!”

“...[WHAT?]”

The tv’s cheeks shone pink and he looked around. “Wait am I in a shed? MAMMA MIA! A-are you going to chainsaw murder me you little rat!?” The beast quickly tensed up and Spamton looked confused. “Who even are you [THANKS,]?” He deadpanned. Of course the giant menacing tv he managed to score was himself a pussycat. “Well I’m Tenna! I think that's my name- I don’t remember much… sorry little mailman!” Spamton sighed loudly, was this really what he just signed up for? Now he has to take care of a giant tv creature named Tenna? And he's not even scary? Ugh! He stomped out of his rotting home that the tv barely fit in anyway.

Spamton stomped around his yard. He was pissed. All that work just to take care of some rotting, not at all intimidating tv guy. How great.

Chapter Text

Tenna was cold. He hadn’t been cold in a long time. At least, that’s what he thought when he woke up in a strange little shed. A small rat-like creature dressed as a mailman looked up at him expectantly.

Was he his new producer? That didn’t seem right. It asked him a question that took him a moment to process. Everything was a blur to him. He was on autopilot talking to the cute little monster that had seemingly saved him. Then he left. Out of nowhere. Tenna thought that was strange, but maybe he had mail to deliver…? Damn, Tenna couldn't stop thinking about how adorable the little guy was. And he had a low voice. What a catch.

Tenna patiently waited for the return of his knight in shining armor. He sat on the floor and twiddled his thumbs, until he realized that he could start to clean the little shed. Tenna dusted and mopped all around. He also moved the cart outside and made Spamton’s bed. It went from a mouse hole to a cute little apartment in a short amount of time due to Tenna’s work. He even made a small corner for himself; a pile of pillows for his large body to rest on. Then he returned. The mailman was back! Tenna grew a few inches in height and he was so excited to see him. Spamton looked around and was shocked at how clean his home looked now. It was almost nice even.

When Spamton returned, Tenna immediately noticed his shocked expression and smiled. He not only was proud of the work he had done, but he also had cracked Spamton’s constant stale expression. “So uhm unrelated… I’m very cold, and I feel quite exposed… so I was wondering-” Tenna fiddled his thumbs as he asked the question. “Wondering what [TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN]?” The small man’s mood seemed to lighten after the tv's pleasant surprise. “-could I maybe get new clothes?”

The mailman contemplated for a moment, then nodded. He beckoned Tenna outside with him. “See now, it might take some digging but there are definitely [WITH LOVE] clothes out here.” The large tv grimaced. Did this guy really want him to dig through a dump to find clothes? “Uhm, I was maybe thinking of a thrift store or something. Uh just because I’m sure anything I would find in my size out here would be ripped to shreds. No other reason…” At that Spamton rolled his eyes. “Fine -[CATHODE] but you’re paying me back later.”

And so the two walked into town. Tenna felt so naked it was horrible, but he knew he would have clothes on his back soon. Spamton didn’t really care if Tenna was scantily clad; he was a robot after all. What was under those shreds, more metal? The tv and the mailman entered the old thrift store after a twenty minute walk there and Tenna, and after scouring the 3 XLs, eventually found an outfit. He decided on a white button up, a black bow tie, suspenders, and some purple dress pants. After pushing the mailman to the registers without even trying the clothes on, he had Spamton buy them and he quickly changed into the strange but endearing outfit. Spamton stared at him strangely after he got changed but he just assumed he thought the choices were odd. “Much much better thank you so much, mailman!” Tenna wanted to hug him but sadly they weren’t close enough for that yet. So the large tv refrained, instead quietly walking back to the house with Spamton.

Once they were back, Spamton retreated to his even smaller room for the night. Luckily Tenna was gifted the living room to stay in, which was the only other room than Spamton’s makeshift corner and the tiny bathroom. Tenna loved spending time with the little rat today. It made him feel warmer than usual. Or what he assumed was his usual, since his memory currently wasn't the best. Maybe it was time for bed. He fell asleep, his dreams playing the best they could on his tattered screen.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Tenna was awakened by the sound of shuffling in the room he was in. As his screen flickered to life, he realised the sounds were Spamton. He was attempting to sort a mountain of letters that covered a messy work station. Oh, he must have work again today, huh? The tv frowned when he realised that, though he wasn’t quite sure why. He was kind of a squatter, living off another man’s paycheck. Why should he be upset that Spamton has to go make a living?

He sat up to watch the little guy sort the letters by street name. “Do you like being a mailman?” Tenna tilted his head as he asked the question. He really couldn’t tell if he did like it or not, as his work ethic clearly indicated some level of dedication to his job, but his living conditions were certainly that of a man who struggles.

“Yes, of course I do! It doesn't pay enough and that causes [THANKS] problems, but the work is enjoyable enough. I have a few side hustles to make ends meet. Which is why you-” Tenna’s antennae perked up as Spamton walked over to him. “-will be watching my shop while I’m gone.” He poked Tenna’s leg for emphasis as his face bore an annoyed- no, distrustful expression.

“Oh, uhm ok I can do that I think?” Tenna was nervous. What if someone tried to rob him? Or worse, what if they tried to hurt him again? Or Spamton, someone could hurt him too! Tenna stopped himself, realizing that he was getting way too attached to the man way too fast. Spamton didn’t even seem to like him, and he definitely didn’t trust him! Still, Tenna supposed, it’s only natural to worry for the person who saved his life. He tried to rationalize his worries for Spamton.

After he left, Tenna crouched down at the small shop booth in front of the house. It actually was quite nice and safe. Though he had to set aside a step stool behind the counter, presumably there for the smaller man, it had an actual cash register and the customers seemed to really like him. After just a few hours, he had made quite a bit of gold. He beamed, proud of himself and hoping that Spamton would be proud of him too. When the sun had started to set, he counted the register and started to tidy up. Just as he was finishing up counting, Tenna spotted the mailman approaching in the distance.

Spamton stopped in front of the counter. “Let me guess, no customers again [MR. AND MRS.]?” He peeked over the counter. “Huh, oh! Hello, Spamton, welcome back! I made 78 gold, sorry if that isn’t as much as usual… I tried to pull in more customers but so many walked past…” The mailman looked shocked. “You’re kidding me right!? You made [LOVE] that much!?” The small man’s face lit up in joy. Tenna’s expression turned to slight shock. “Ah, well yes I just finished counting it-” Suddenly, Spamton hugged Tenna’s leg and the tv swore his screen turned pink.

“Ok ok [VALUED CUSTOMER] after that fantastic day you’re in the store now! I’ll even help [RETURN ADDRESS] when I’m not working.” Spamton was talking fast and he was giddy. Tenna couldn’t handle much more of this. He was definitely developing a crush. Ugh, this is horrible. How is he going to go about this? Seeing Spamton happy made Tenna’s whole life seem worth it in some way. Lord, he needed help.

Now, Tenna was relaxing after a long day of talking and standing. Spamton was messing with some broken gadget on the other side of the trash heap he called a living room. “Do you have a staring problem [CATHODE]?” Tenna quickly looked away from him. “Ah, uhm, apologies!” At this point Tenna was too tired to explain himself or to even do anything so he decided to try to fall asleep. When he woke up a few hours later however, he saw the small mailman laying in his corner, just a few inches away from him. “Is he cold?” the tv thought to himself. He stared at him for a few moments, before choosing sleep once more.

Chapter Text

Tenna awoke to being kicked in the stomach. When his screen flickered to life, he soon realised that he was holding Spamton to his chest. “Stop holding [OUR SPECIAL OFFER] me hostage [CATHODE]!!” Tenna quickly let go of the man, looking very apologetic. “I’m so sorry, Spamton! Are you alright?”  The tv quickly sat up, not wanting to seem threatening, even though he really wasn’t. “You squished me half to death!” Screamed the small postal worker. 

Tenna looked on the verge of tears. Had he really hurt him that badly? “Oh don’t cry [DEAR] I’m just exaggerating.” Tenna felt his screen heat up at the accidental pet name. “Yes uhm, sorry.”  The CRT quickly stood, now that Spamton had gotten up himself.  He decided it may be best to take a walk after that embarrassing interaction.

 The tv hadn’t really explored outside yet, and after he had left the dump site, he found it to be quite beautiful. The water nearby glistened and the lights shone; he felt almost at home under the bright shimmers. He decided to sit by the water's edge for a little while, watching the light reflect in the water. It felt like something was missing. An important part of who he is and what he was made for. He hoped his memories would come back one day in full. These teasing feelings about his past were definitely affecting him. The large hunk of metal gently stood. The ground was further away now. He must have shrunk and grown again at some point. Now though, he felt content, almost happy. The water really did calm him. 

The walk home was a bit faster than the one he had made to the river’s shoreline. When he reached Spamton’s shack he tiptoed inside, unsure if the mailman was home. Pretty quickly he found out that he was home alone. Even though Tenna had spent most of his past few days in the small shack, he hadn't explored it yet. Rejuvenated from the water, he had more energy to snoop around the place. He rummaged around and in drawers and cabinets. He peeked into Spamton’s small corner he called a room. He then checked under the mailman’s bed when he saw a sliver of yellowed paper underneath it. Was it wrong and intrusive? Oh, yes it was. But Tenna didn’t know much about Spamton. He almost always was annoyed at the tv, and Tenna was a curious man. So he peeked, despite his moral values telling him not to. The first “letter” was addressed to… himself? 

Dear Spamton, 

Today was a rough one. The store made no money and I ran out of food along with all my gold. All potential customers turned the other way when I tried to entice them with my sales.  It seems that I will have to refrain from supper tonight. 

Yours truly, 

Spamton.

 The CRT thought to himself, “Was this some sort of diary?” He picked a newer looking letter up from under the small bed. 

Dear Tenna,  

The television felt almost frightened. Why did this say it was addressed to him? He really should put the letter down. His curiosity would kill him wouldn’t it? Despite his apprehension, he continued reading…

 I don’t know why I keep you around. You’re far too large for my home. You don’t do much, though you do run my shop well. And as much as I hate to admit it you’re a distraction…

 Tenna frowned heavily. Spamton really didn’t want him around. As much as he wanted to put the letters back and never touch them again, he saw that there was more to read. Maybe he would leave after this. 

I wish I wasn’t too scared to talk to you more. You seem so joyous. But I cannot. My feelings for you ever since you first awoke are getting harder to ignore. I've noticed small things about you when I can. I enjoy when you sleep. You play old commercials on your screen and calm landscapes. Are they your dreams, I wonder? You also grow and shrink depending on your mood. I recall you growing a whole 12 inches when I praised you for your work at my shop. I’m surprised you didn’t notice my red face. I don’t think I've ever felt emotions quite like the ones you elicit from me. But I like them. I like you. No, I think I love you. But, I don’t think I could tell you. 

Love,

Spamton.

 Tenna felt so many emotions reading the paper. His screen was red, but he felt like he was about to cry. Sure, he didn’t really know how to handle his emotions either, but learning that Spamton could handle them even less? Well it hurt him more so. He wanted to tell Spamton that he had made him feel such feelings as well. He would when he returned. He had to. But then he heard a soft sound behind him. The metal giant turned around to see Spamton standing there in his mailman uniform. Tenna felt something short-circuit in his chest. He must have just got home. 

Spamton’s hat casted a shadow over his eyes as he tilted his head downward. He turned around and slowly left the shack. Tenna didn’t know what to do. Should he follow him? Would that make things worse? Would the mailman ever trust him again? Oh lord, he made a huge mistake. Tenna quickly stood up and followed him out the door.

“Spamton, wait up!”