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Being part of [Sponge] s party wasn’t in the life-plan—or lack—of Spamton, but it wasn’t all that... Bad. It was better than being in the ggarbage looking like a rat and hoping to strike up d eals with poor Darkners who didn’t know better. It had been... ... ... It had been. But that was before.
It was obvious how s ometimes he creeps out the kids, the long stares in awkward silence when he would glitch or laugh a little too much. They were just missing out, he was lovely to have around, every knew that!! Aside from that, he c ccould admit that having actual tasty food to chunk down is a side of the party he’s enjoying, Ralsei puts a lot of effort into everything he makes, and it shows. A nd that will probably be the [Nice] est thing he will ever say to one of the [KIDs.]
Now, Spamton is a little confused. Was he so d istracted during the travel he didn’t notice at all when the kids and that [[CRT]] started this dumb little show? T he noises, the laughs, the vibrant colors, the everything was too much. It made him [[Discomfort And Abdominal Pain]], how could such a useless thing hold so much power over him without doing anything at all? Getting all queasy just from listening to him, t ruly pathetic. He shouldn’t even be amusing the thought of that [[Cathode]], but it creeps up from the back of his back to his mind, like an ugly virus that refuses to [Die.]
Of course, h e had nothing to do with that [[Hyperlink Blocked]] any longer, so there was no need for Spamton to even think about doing or saying anything. Right?
Kris seemed to notice, and during those short periods of time with no supervision, he would g et prodded for questions. Maybe the kid was simply curiouss; he wouldn’'t put it past them. That didn;t mean he had to like it! Maybe the [Sponges] found it funny, watching him g litch and stress over some dumb robot who he hadn’t seen in ages. He was far from dumb either, he could hear the things they would whisper to each other, trying to wonder what the connection b etween them could possibly be.
T his is a good reminder about why he doesn’t like [Kids.]
The scenery was beautiful in a chaotic way. It’s been years since Spamton had been in TV World, and therefore in the studio where [[CRT]] and he used to work. Very small things had changed, but overall, everything remained the same as if time refused to pass in that place... Or maybe someone refused to let it. Whichever, it a lmost made the cold and [Heart]less body of Spamton fill with a warmth that he thought devoid of a long long time ago. Or maybe it’s just the pocket of Kris that’s warm.
He had been hiding pretty well not being noticed by [[Hyperlink Blocked]], but it was most definitely the fact that he could just use magic to leave only his shades; he is almost the same height as Kris when he gets out of the pocket. He used to be [Big] [[Bigger.]]
There had been a time in which he was full of dreams and hope, an [HonestMan], wishing for something greater, something he knew he could have accomplished, but it had all vanished so quickly with just a single phone call. He had [Hyperlink Blocked] that stupid [Cathode Screen], and it strained because of a-
When the kids weren’t getting threatened to die by the other monsters, Spamton could appreciate the interior. Many wallpapers everywhere, some older than others, and some ripped. Those he could recognize clearly, and it made his skin—could he call it that?—prickle in an uncomfortable way. Despite that, he could enjoy the little murder games the [Sponges] were put through, as he had tried to do almost the same not so long ago.
Isn’t that such a lovely coincidence?
His eyes kept being dragged everywhere, even if he wasn’t trying to. It made him feel stupid, truly; he would perk up when finding items he knew like the back of his hand. That old couch he used to lounge on? In the exact same place he remembers, maybe even fused to the wall and floor at this point—Were those eyes he could see peeking underneath it? Maybe rats—it really wouldn’’t surprise him, [[CRT]] had always been a control freak, always on edge and wanting everything to go the way he wanted it to. T hey had spent countless of days re doing scenes just because [[Hyperlink Blocked]] refused to roll with a second of bad lighting on the set.
Did that lamp move? Spamton wasn’t sure how he was actually seeing when he’s pocketed in Kris’ inventory like some sort of [$!$$]. Maybe he’s finally going crazy!. . . No. He’s sure he already went crazy a few years ago. Hahaha!!! He can feel Susie’s stare from where she’s standing; it doesn’t bother him at all now after the while they’ve been travelling together. Oh, yes, the lamp. Even when he was a [[BIG SHOT]], he always found that lamp weird. Was it alive? No, YeS? He was never given the chance to kick it, but he would have loved to do so.
He’s getting off track. But what really is there to track when all he can do is watch the LIGHT nERs fight, move on, get into another fight, move on, get into another fight, move on, ffight. And it repeats! Well, in the end he’s getting some sort of action... Even if minimal. From [Worm] to healing [Angel]. What a shock.
Then... Kris, Susie and Ralsei stumbled across the hidden...- Blue egg? It wasn’t like they had done it on purpose—at least not Ralsei—, but it made the party wonder what that thing is doing there, being kept away like no one was supposed to see. And that was probably very on point as they got to see Tenna crash out in front of them.
Spamton was shocked to say less. Was that really...?
Tenna wasn’t sure why his body felt like it was overheating. Everything was under control; the kids and the audience were loving the show! But even then, in the back of his head there was a tiny voice putting him on edge. He wasn’t doing enough... He needed to go for something bigger, make it even greater!
He had been trying so hard to keep his workers happy, his audience happy, the kids happy! No no no, he is making them happy. He doesn’t have to try when he knows he is making his job correctly... He’s a star, everyone loves his show! Why should he even stress himself over this when everything is rolling smoothly as always? His Darkners loved this.
Right?
With the spiralling anxiety creeping up on him, Tenna was bringing up on him thoughts of past days—and even more with the kids finding the mailroom during one of his games. This shouldn’t be happening to him; nothing of this should have happened in the first place! He keeps telling himself to get rid of the things that keep reminding him about that mailman, but he never does it in the end. Some days the excuse he gives himself is “I’ll do it tomorrow”, just for tomorrow to never come. Is he so pathetic that he refuses to erase any evidence left about his-
No! None of this is his fault, it’s that little [$H3*!] fault! He shouldn’t have left him; he would have given him everything, if only he...- Stopping his fans from overworking seems useless at this point. He keeps driving himself up the wall with every little piece of information the kids seem to drag out of him! Just like admitting that sometimes he’s... 
Sometimes he tries talking to Mike about this, about everything, but ever since left everything changed. Maybe it was just him being too harsh on his workers? But that’s dumb; he’s never been a bad boss! But he can feel it in the air every time something related to HIM gets mentioned; the mood gets sour and... They don’t need to know what he’s thinking, anyway. He shouldn’t even be amusing the thought of that [$#3*!] rat! But it refuses to go away, like a piece of annoying spam.
Oh... How he wishes Mike would be the old him. He used to know what to say to make him feel better.
Maybe what came next was deserved... Maybe it’s because of what he did? But it couldn’t be! He had been nothing but nice and kind to everyone, so why... This isn’t what Tenna expected to happen, not at all. Everything had been going so smoothly. So, what failed? What could have possibly gone wrong...?
He’s done for; this time there’s no way he can lie about it. His secret, everyone will know...! What will they think? What will the audience think? The rates will go spiraling down, he just knows it! He sunk to his knees, his screen fixed on the floor as he avoided looking at the blue pipis laying in front of him. He couldn’t bring himself to take a look at it.
Maybe he could lie and say he knows nothing about it? Walk away and ignore it? But he can’t do that, how could he ever leave behind the only thing left of that little man?
Everyone will leave, and he will go back to being alone. Alone... He-... He...
He would even take that little mailman just to not be alone...
“-EPT IT!!! YOU REALLY DO CARE!!!”
What.
What.
What????
The following crash out was immensely worse than the one he had just mere seconds ago. He was for sure that now he had smoke coming from his head at this point. Of course, he probably said something about his the little mailman, but he was NOT expecting the man to actually appear out of thin air. Is he going crazy? Is he finally hallucination from all the stress? No, that would imply he’s not in position to be a good boss, and he refuses to be anything but!
He tried to pause his rambling to gather his thoughts, but it was impossible. How is he supposed to calm down when his ex is standing in front of him? Why is Spamton looking so different? His hair and overall facial structure seemed to be the same, well, not the same; the whole Jigsaw doll look surely stood out like a sore thumb. Wait wait wait, why is he looking so different? Did he just ask that again? What happened? Is Spamton shorter, or did he grow taller out of panic?
Tenna wasn’t sure what brought him to grab the little mailman and stash him into his suit’s jacket like some item to be stashed- Did he just disappear into his clothes? Wait, no, he can feel those shades of him beneath the fabric. Good... Good? Is this the right thing to do? What even is he doing, grabbing this rat and taking him? He’s not sure if this is something Mike would approve of, but he can’t backpedal now-
Taking in his surroundings, Tenna finds his screen facing the direction where the kids were standing not so far away. Hhholy sh molly. 
Maybe if he acts like he totally didn’t see them, he will be able to avoid this topic later...? Probably! He’s always under control, he’s the one and only Mr (Ant) Tenna after all!!! Ha ha ha...
Carefully picking up the pipis, he flees the scene hoping for no one else but the kids to have seen this interaction. He’s so [$#3*!].
“Dude... Did we just let him leave? The little guy healed us!” Susie’s voice broke the silence.
She was the first one to approach the weird drawer, staring at it and what used to be inside with something akin to irritation. Despite Spamton being weird, she was starting to warm up to the little guy; he had a way with words... Literally. Now there won’t be anyone else she can make fun of except Ralsei!
Kris remained quiet, while Ralsei did look a little surprised for once. Out of everything that could have happened, Tenna kidnapping Spamton wasn’t in the list of that day. Maybe for Tenna to mix up Spamton for a rat or throw something at him? Now that sounds like a more likely scenario. But with Tenna gone, there’s nothing else for them to do except hope that at some point they will manage to get the little guy back. Susie was right about something; Spamton had become an important part of their party! The Kromer addict was a friend of theirs now.
Well, this was uncomfortable. For a moment Spamton almost expected the [CRT] to smash him against the wall, not... This.
First, there was shouting, then crying, then begging, back to the shouting and so on. During the years of [[BIG SHOT]] Spamton had seen the robot crash out, usually in anger targeted at their workers... But this kind of crash out level matched his own, if n ot surpassed it. Good reminder about why they used to get along so well. No wonder when they’re both [Desperate] f reaks.
“[Tr-”
He wasn’t given the time or chance to even formulate his first word when a hand clamped down on his mouth, shutting him up. Not like he needs lips to speak, but it’s hard to move with a gigantic [[Cathode Screen]] gripping you like a stress ball. The screen was pitch black but despite having [Eyes] the stare was [[Burning]] into him
“Oh, Spamton... You’re back! And I’m not letting you leave now.”
A wide grin slowly took place on the black screen of Tenna’s face—head?—, he wasn’t fully sure how to feel about the comeback of his old business partner, was it anger or excitement what he felt? Either way, He was very certain of one thing, and that’s that he WON’T let Spamton leave him again. He’s been spiraling into desperation all day long, maybe... Maybe with Spamton back they can try to be big together again!—”again”, because the time he almost had the little mailman on the palm of his hand he slipped through his fingers like water.
Yes... He’s so smart! He could put the little rat back on his old job, reading the mails and getting the audience and sponsorships like how it used to be! If Spamton tries to leave, he will make sure it won’t be funny for his little mailman. Oh, and the pipis will get to see Spamton again! It’s oddly weird how the egg expresses so many feelings with so little.
This might be great! Now all there is left is making sure his ex—still 
He could leave the kids alone for a few minutes; he knew nothing bad would happen... Probably. He had finally set Spamton down after squeezing him a little more—unintentionally, of course...—, watching with quiet entertainment how the ex-Addison sat close to the pipis. Was she chirping? Maybe it was just his circuit playing tricks on his mind after so many years of making himself believe the pipis is indeed aliv- Oh, it is chirping... Wait, it’s chirping!
The screen of Tenna quickly brightened, his cheeks turning a deep red as a flower blossomed from the tip of his nose. This was perfect! His little sweetheart truly was full of live and wasn’t a figment of his imagination!!! He softly rubbed the blue egg with one finger, always making sure to be careful not to accidentally hurt her in any way. The realization that he has Spamton so close to himself starts to sink in. After the shouting and turmoil of feelings... Now everything was awkward.
What is he supposed to say after that? The ideas he was making up for a start were shut down with Spamton finally saying something after so long.
“Y YOU KEPT IT.”
It wasn’t fancy, far from it, but there was a silver of something raw and genuine behind those words that make Tenna wish to read what the little mailman is thinking about. Was he rushing things here?... Maybe, but in all ten years of being apart, he wasn’t able to move on, so that should count for something!
Trying to lean in almost made Tenna stab Spamton on the face with his nose, but he didn’t let that stop him!!—despite the major embarrassed red creeping to his screen. It was just a little peck being offered, almost feeling alien now because of the years set apart and Spamtons new features... Not like it ever felt normal to kiss a TV- But now a TV and a doll...? Well, they sure make quite the pair.
Wait, would his mailman push him away? He didn’t think about this through!!! Oh god, what if he just messed up everything with-
The CRT didn’t need to think about it too much, as a faint peck was offered back.
Everything was back to normal! Kris, Susie, Ralsei, the three of them playing back for Tenna and his not-so-family-friendly games, but who cares? Definitely not him, and as long the audience loved it, he did too! They were going back and forth, and by the time it was Susie’s time to chose, she opted to change paths a little.
“Hey, uh... You have the little guy with you?” Susie tentatively asked, staring at Tenna like she might be worried about stepping on some sort of invisible boundary.
“What little guy?”
Gosh, was that too obvious? Tenna felt his antennas—no pun intended—straighten, looking at the Lightners with his smile still in place. He loved the kids, he really did, but if they keep asking questions and digging into his business, he’s not sure how much more time he will manage to stay calm. He can’t afford to get exposed to his audience and co-workers! It would be a total mess and-
♥︎ ”The dealmaker.”
Ugh, Kris- No, no, he can’t just cuss a kid...Despite how intrusive sometimes it felt, Tenna couldn’t possibly snap at them—shouldn’t, because he obviously can—, maybe all of this was some innocent meddling, simply worried about- Wait, why would these kids even be worried about Spamton? He’s just realizing now, how do they know Spamton!?!? Huh... Did the kids take Spamton to TV World? It could make sense, if not how else would the little rat be there in the first place? This is a good reminder why he doesn’t like nosy kids
That would mean Spamton didn’t come here in the first place out of realizing what he was missing out on...-
“Would you look at that!? The time ran out, better get on with the next one!”
Tenna purposefully ignored the complaints that followed after. If someone asked about when this game had a time limit, the answer would be none! If he can ignore this, maybe, MAYBE, they won’t keep pushing. Is that too much of a wishful thing to ask? Why did everything keep going in the exact opposite way... Was the universe doing this to him on purpose? It really seemed that way. The CRT was slowly starting to mix the line where anger and desperation were set apart.
”Oh man, c’mon...” Susie mutters, rubbing her face.
Spamton never thought a suit jacket would be this [[Suffocating.]] Wearing 0ne was different than being trapped underneath it!!! He never thought he would m iss Kris’ pocket so mmuch, this new position he found himself in is [Killing] him. It’s not that different from before; he’s still there, pocketed and [Watching]! It was less interesting, with no [Free KR0MER] to be surrounded by.
His ears—ears?—perk up as the name [... ... Mike...] gets passed around once or twice. Could be a coincidence, but this is [Trash Heap], so of course it can’’t be!!! It’s impossible, Mike d sn’t work there- Ah, whatever.
Having that [CRTs] voice so close to him was making comfort and unease mix together. Something in his [Body] ached, pounded, like [Wires] pulling at things that sshould be kept under lock and [KeyGen.] The warmth emanating from the [$#3*!] robot was making the joints from his puppet body relax. This was something he would not be admitting, no t to the [Sponge] s, and not to [Trash Heap]. Good thing he can disguise himself as a pair of colorful glasses; he would [Die] if his face turned red.
Slowly but surely, his mind ss lowly slips away, finding himself remembering more tranquil times, days in which he could [Hyperlink Blocked] and not be [Afraid]. He remembers how the arms would wrap around his body- No no no, he can’’t fall to that [Voice], the last thing he needs is [SweetTalking] to mes s up with his [Head.] [$#3*!] [$#3*!] such a [[Funky]] little [$#3*!].
The shouting and [Screaming] from the kids and the big [Cathode] were starting to become a numbing wwhite noise. There was need to even look at wha t was happening, one moment everything was normal and the next there’s [Burning] everywhere. Nice.
[Hochi Mama], Spamton looked away a few seconds and-
This sure is abrupt now. The [CRT] fell to the floor, his arms cut, and the screen pitch black with a small crack on top.
“WELL, [$#3*!]”