Perry paces zeir room, restless. Zey had already beaten Minecraft twice in the three hours they had played, and at some point, listlessly hopping around a world wasn’t going to quell zeir anxiety.
Its words bounced in zeir mind, accusatory and painful.
You hurt him. You abandoned him.
They shook zeir head, trying to dismiss the thoughts. Zey knew it wasn’t their fault. It couldn’t have been. They had been hurt.
Jake was hurt too. That wasn’t an excuse.
“Shut up,” they muttered under zeir breath. “What’s done is done. Feeling guilty about it isn’t going to fix it.”
They knew zey had said that last time, too. Never made it easier. Even to this day, zey were plagued with what-ifs, reminders of what could have been if they had just done one thing differently. Maybe if they hadn’t given up so soon, she would—
“What’s. Happened. Has. Happened,” zey growled.
At least zey could think of her without an earsplitting headache. God, whoever made those chips were going to pay.
“Well,” zey said to nobody in particular, “I’m going for a walk before I go insane.”
Zey grabbed zeir cane, and walked out.
The walk was longer than it probably should have been, but zey were still recovering from the MCF injury.
The stairs were always the hardest part, both mentally and physically. As their knees ached, zeir mind spiraled with the reminders of the last time zey had been there—with Jake and 597 (where had they gone, anyway? Perry hoped they were safe).
They mounted the final step and slowly, carefully, opened the door.
The outskirts of the boss’s office was empty, as usual. Perry wondered if the boss even hired a new secretary after what happened with her.
Zey walked over to the secretary’s desk and, with some difficulty, hopped up to sit on it. God, they felt silly every time zey did this—not that zey had done this much. It only became a tradition after zey could think about her again.
“Well, I’m back.” They kept their voice low. Zey were talking to nobody, after all, and it would be tragic if somebody overheard.
“It’s been… I think it’s been about a week. Hard to say in this place. Feels longer.
I went down to the Facility, again. I wanted to show Jake—Employee 510, the intern—what was going on. History repeats itself, I know.
That’s why I really should have known it wouldn’t go well.” They paused, and sniffed quietly.
“I met Employee 727 down there. Or what was left of them, anyway. God, they’re nothing like they were when you introduced them to me. I wonder what happened to them.
Maybe it’s foolish to be sorry for them, because they tried to kill us. Thank God 597 was there. I don’t think—“ They shifted, and their voice became nearly a whisper. “I think we would have ended up like you, if it weren’t for them.”
“I, uh, also found what was outside the Office. Just void, as it turns out. White, empty, near-endless void.
Yknow, I really thought there was a world out there. A place I could escape to. I don’t know, everything in this place is weird. Maybe there still is.
…
I still miss you. Years, and I still miss you. It turns out when you don’t have a chip in you to make you nearly forget your loved ones, you miss them a lot. Who knew.” They laugh wetly.
“I know we weren’t good to each other. Young love, and all that. But I can’t help thinking that I could have loved you right, if I had more time.
If we had more time.
At least you tried. You trusted me enough to show me something you were scared of.”
They shift in zeir position, turning ninety degrees and laying face-up on the long part of the desk, feet just barely brushing the dusty computer.
“I read the myth of Orpheus the other day, on my computer. Might be weird, but I thought of you.
You led me down to the Underworld, in a way, and at the last second you looked back. You were unsure. And in that unsurety, I fled.
If you were still around, I think you’d hate me. And you’d be right.”
They take a deep breath.
“I’m trying to be better now, though. Make better friends. Be kinder, not just nicer. I think it’s working.”
“Well,” they twist themselves again until they’re sitting on the lip of the desk again, “I think that’s everything. I’ll talk to you next week, if I can tell time that exactly.
I love you.”
Zey grab zeir cane, and hop off the desk.
From behind the Boss's Office door a sound of heavy secret passage door lifting up could been heard.
“Shit,” zey whisper. Zey grimace, and begin running up the stairs, praying whoever was coming out of the passage hadn’t heard their soliloquy. Zeir ankles burn, and zey’re pretty sure one of their knees is going to dislocate in protest once zey’re done sprinting, but zey don’t have time.
Just barely, zey make it to the fifth floor break room, panting. Zey would have ran to their office, but zey needed to be in a public area, just in case something started.
727 looked at the closed door. They could hear a very distinct pattern of walking for Employee 786, or it would be better describe as a run attempt. They shooked their head silently and looked at the bookshelves. They picked books they were here looking for.
The Overseer closed the secret passage and went back into their little space, their office far away from anywhere.
Jake decided to cut through the break room on his way back to his office. He was feeling a lot better now, after hanging out with 418, but... still not good enough to want to work. So the long way around it is.
As he walked in, he saw Perry sprinting in, and ran over to zem.
Are you alright? Why were you running, is something wrong?
Perry flinches, out of breath, and nearly topples over. Zey smile, but it’s so obviously forced that it nearly hurts to look at.
“Jake! I’m fine. I just… thought I heard something. Sorry to bother you! How are you doing?”
Zey wince as zeir ankle predictably slides out of placement.
“Sorry, let me sit down, flare-up.”
Zey practically collapse on a couch.
Jake pauses for a moment, watching Perry carefully as zey sit there.
Zey are clearly not okay. And while he knows that zey want to brush this off, he can't just keep ignoring things like this. Zey've helped him out so many times in the past, now's his turn. At least, he has to try.
...no. I mean, I'm doing fine, yeah. But we're not going to just ignore this.
Whatever happened, you ran in looking terrified for your life. And you're clearly in pain now.
So either we're going to talk about this right now or...
He sighs.
I don't know. But please, just tell me what's going on.
Perry avoids Jake’s eyes.
“I swear it’s nothing. I just thought I heard 727. And I’m not in too much pain. Flare-ups are nothing new.”
Zey reach down and slowly, deliberately, pop zeir ankle bone back into place.
“I can handle this, Jake. Trust me.”
She trusted you enough to be vulnerable.
“It’s nothing. I’m fine.”
You’ve never trusted Jake when he says he’s fine.
“It’s nothing you need to deal with.”
Jake flinches slightly at Perry fixing zeir ankle, but doesn't comment on it.
...you don't seem fine, though.
He sits down on the couch next to Perry, leaving a bit of space between them so zey don't feel trapped.
And maybe you're right, and this isn't my business. But when we were in the facility, you helped me out so much. And same for when it was causing issues.
But I've never done anything to help you out, and you clearly need some sort of help here. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you. But I'm not okay with just letting you be like... this.
“…You know that friendship isn’t transactional. I don’t expect help in return if I help you. You don’t need to repay me for anything.
I’m just missing someone. That’s all.”
They trail off at the end, immediately regretting saying anything. Jake doesn’t need to hear zeir sob story about her. Zey change the subject, hoping Jake doesn’t inquire further.
“How do you know Satsuo? We talked a bit after you took a nap, and he reminded me that we’d actually met before through an accommodations meeting. Given that you haven’t asked for any—despite probably having use for one—I’m curious how you two met.”
Jake nods at her statement. At this point, he probably shouldn't continue to push it. Especially considering how talking about pasts went for him last time...
At the mention of Satsuo, his eyes flicker to the ground, avoiding Perry's gaze. How did he meet Satsuo, that was the question, wasn't it? But he didn't want to think about that. Not now.
I... I don't want to talk about Satsuo.
He shakes his head, realizing how suspicious that sounds, and changes the subject.
What do you mean "despite probably having use for one", I don't have a disability??
Perry finally meets Jake’s eyes. Zey take a deep breath—they’re clearly in more comfortable territory, now that they’re giving Jake assistance rather than the other way around.
“Look, J—510. I’m fine with you not saying you’re disabled. That’s fine—not everyone prefers that term.
But you clearly are struggling. It is no joke, and having a shadow monster haunting your every move is obviously hindering you. Disabilities don’t have to be visible or physical. Sometimes, they’re things like ADHD which makes you require more time, or dyslexia which requires a different type of text, or any number of myriad other ways someone can need accommodations.
You’re allowed to ask for help, even if you feel like you deserve it. Humans were built to help each other, and pushing yourself to do things the harder way doesn’t help anyone, especially not yourself.”
Only after zey’ve finished speaking do zey register the comment about Satsuo.
“Oh and—I’m sorry about whatever happened with Satsuo. I didn’t know you two were on bad terms since we last talked.”
I...
Jake laughs a little. Not mean, but unsteady. He starts fidgeting with something under his sleeve as he continues talking.
I don't think I need something like that. I've been doing just fine for now! And besides, it's not like anyone can do anything about it anyways...
He glances down at his shadow for a second, before turning back to Perry.
And we're not on bad terms! I mean, I'm not on bad terms with Satsuo. And I don't think he hates me or anything! I just...
I fucked up.
He pulls the folded up polaroid out of his pocket, and hands it to Perry without looking at it.
I found this.
Perry takes the photo for a moment. Something seems to click with them, and zey frown, sympathetic.
“Oh, I didn’t know you two were together! Emphasis on the ‘were,’ I suppose. I’m sorry, it absolutely sucks to break up with someone, especially someone you work with, even if you’re still friends afterward. Is there anything you want to do to take your mind off it?”
Zey smile tentatively, clearly trying to cheer Jake up.
A look of surprise flashes across Jake's face, face going red with blush, before quickly turning into guilt.
No, we weren't- I mean, I-
He leans forward, head in his hands. A muffled sigh is heard, followed by some unintelligable mumbling, before he looks back up at Perry.
You know how I can't remember my past, right? This was apparently part of it. And I had NO idea. I don't know what we were to each other, but he's always somewhat acted like he knows me after we met in the office, and then that picture fell out of his pocket and...
He doesn't know I have it. And I already messed up by constantly reminding him of things I don't even know about. ...I don't know what to do.
In a dark corner of the room a person stood with crossed arms.
Just talk little one. They should've told you from the start and not hide that you had past between each other.
Perry opens zeir mouth to speak, and then flinches off the couch when they hear 727’s voice.
“JESUS FUCKING CHRIST—What. I—didn’t hear you come in, I—!”
Zey brush zemselves off, trying to regain some composure. It doesn’t work particularly well.
“Hello, 727. Did you want something?”
Zey instinctually move in front of Jake, as if to partially shield him from anything 727 would do.
727 stood unaffected by Employee 786 reaction.
Just dropping a friendly advice in. Watching both of you was just so exciting, I couldn't stay in my seat.
Their tone didn't contain any of said excitement, it was dull with a note of tiredness.
Perry breathes heavily, slowly heaving themselves back up onto the couch.
“…Alright. That’s… I guess.
As long as you’re not planning to hurt us, I…” They grip the couch cushions, digging into the fabric with their nails. “I suppose it’s fine if you stay.”
Despite all of their urges—how much 727 had hurt them, emotionally and physically, and how much every instinct was screaming at them that this person was dangerous, they continue.
“…You don’t seem particularly alright either. What happened to you?”
They’re not sure they actually want to know.
Before 727 can respond, Jake speaks up.
Who cares.
There's a slight anger in his voice, rarely seen over his nerves. But the look on his face is nothing but rage. He could see Perry's fear, and he was sick of not doing anything to stand up for his friends.
I couldn't care less about what happened to you. Perry and I were having a private conversation, which is none of your goddamn business. But if you're going to be like this, then fine.
He offered a hand to Perry, helping zem get up from the couch.
We're leaving to talk somewhere else. Don't fucking follow us, and don't even get CLOSE to Perry. I'm done with your bullshit.
And with that, they walk towards the break room door.
727 tilted their head to the side. The corners of their mouth slightly lifted up. In those dead tired eyes a fondness could've been noticed.
Private conversations in place like thi- . . . Doesn't matter. It good to see you grow as a person little one. Say hi from me to It
With that 727 yet again that day, disappeared.
Jake pauses for a moment at the mention of it, his confidence slightly breaking. But when 727 disappears, he shakes it off, and continues walking with Perry.
Let's head back to my office, it's close from here.
As they walk back, Jake slowly loses his more confident look, beginning to fidget with something under his sleeve again. By the time the two are at his office door, he's a complete bundle of nerves again. But nevertheless, he opens the door to let Perry in, following quickly behind.
After sliding zem the rolling chair, he sits in another spare chair in the corner, and sighs.
Sorry about that.
Perry is breathing slowly, trying to readjust everything they learned as quickly as possible. Zey collapse into the chair.
“…It’s not your fault. Lots of things just happened in a five-minute span.”
There’s a moment of silence that stretches into seconds, then nearly a minute, before Perry speaks again.
“I’m sorry about 727. I wasn’t sure how you felt about them, and I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Jake nods at the first statement, continuing to fidget through the silence.
Oh, no worries! It's not really about how I felt, to be honest. I just...
He sighs.
You looked really scared, even when you tried to protect me. I wasn't going to let 727 hurt you like that. Is that why you were running earlier? If you're concerned about them following us back here somehow, I can lock the door or something. Though I'm not sure if that would help...
“No—“ zey cough— “no, it’s fine. They don’t look like… they’re going to hurt us. For now.”
Zey stare at the back wall for a few moments, thinking of what they could say that would satisfy Jake’s need to know what happened without making him any more concerned.
“I ran earlier because I thought I heard the MCF door opening while I was near. It was probably just 727, looking for something. They clearly didn’t have any interest in me, so it’s… it’s probably fine.”
They try to keep zeir hands from shaking.
You were...
Jake pauses for a moment, thinking through his words.
Why were you near the MCF? That couldn't have been safe to do, you could've gotten really hurt! Who knows what...
He stops, noticing zeir failed attempt at hiding zeir shakiness. He's not trying to reprimand zem, he needs to calm down.
"I was..." They open and close zeir mouth silently, trying to find any reasonable explanation. After a moment, they grudgingly settle on the, at least partial, truth. "I was checking the secretary's desk. I don't actually know if they ever replaced S—the previous one. I promise, I never plan to go down into that place again. I've learned my lesson."
Jake fidgets in his chair, nervousness clearly showing. He trusts Perry, but something about this seems off. He doesn't think zey're LYING, but there's something he doesn't know. He hates not knowing things. But after what he found out last time, maybe that's for the best.
That's... That's good then. Maybe the past secretary used to have something useful, didn't you say they had something to do with that key? I'm sure someone that close to the boss would know something.
Did you ever know them before? Maybe they've said something helpful...
Perry squeezes zeir eyes shut, fists suddenly clenching. They breathe in, and let the breath out as slowly as zey can.
“The past secretary was the one who had the key, yes. I…”
Perry leans backwards in zeir chair, trying to blink back tears. Zeir shoulders shake.
“I knew her, yeah. We—.” Zey take in another gasp of musty air, trying to keep zeir voice level.
“We dated for a few years. She was...”
And then the words come out like a hurricane, tumbling over one another as if Perry can’t stop them. It’s clear zey hadn’t talked about this to anyone in years.
“She didn’t know everything, but she loved finding things out. Gossip, mysteries. She loved true crime. She always had fun snooping. I told her once she would have made a great reporter.
She would break into the boss’s office sometimes, and she found that keypad I told you about. It was properly locked back then, unlike now, and she was the one who managed to figure out how to emergency override it. I’m sure if she had gone on a little longer she would have found the actual code.
She found the Facility. She poked around it a few times, I think. She… didn’t tell me any of this until later.”
Perry chokes up for a moment, and then sighs, deeply and mournfully. Zey sniff.
“Sorry, you… shouldn’t have to hear this. You’re not here to listen to me reminisce about an ex of mine.
But, long story short, she showed me, once. I don’t think I had the chip back then—or if I did, it wasn’t calibrated with any strength.
She led me down a tunnel near the facility, one labeled ‘ESCAPE.’ She was so excited to finally leave, I can remember now. She wanted to see the birds, and the sunlight, and—and everything. She held such joy for the world.
Either way, nearly at the tunnel, she looked back at me. And something in her eyes—I don’t know. I could sense she wasn’t certain. That she thought maybe, even, that the real ‘escape’ in that tunnel was death. And I…”
Tears streak down Perry’s face, and zeir voice finally gives up on its precarious waver and becomes wobbly and wet.
“I ran. God, I ran. I couldn’t take it.
I think I ran into someone there—some worker making sure everything was okay… and next thing I remember, I was working diligently and happily, trying not to think about anything except work, because I would get a massive headache.”
“God, fuck. I…”
Zey wipe their eyes.
“Thanks for listening to me rant. I… don’t mean to make your problems worse. You just kind of got me going there, ha.”
I...
Jake pauses, taking a moment to process all of that. That was... A lot. But he knows he needs to be there for his friend.
It's all good, seriously. It doesn't make my problems worse to let you share yours, and I sort of brought it up in the first place. It sounds like you really needed to talk about it anyways.
Do you... want to talk about her? Or should we move on? I don't...
He fumbles for words for a moment, clearly unsure of how to continue. He doesn't want to upset zem, that's for sure, but he doesn't want to just brush zem off either.
I don't want you to get uncomfortable talking about it, but I don't want to make you think back on hard memories.
If Jake looks close enough, he can see Perry rebuilding zeir guard, carefully and slowly. It’s almost obvious now that he knows what Perry looks like at zeir most vulnerable—zeir face is still, but zeir eyes burn with a quiet determination fueled by grief.
“I… I’ve talked about this enough, I think. Plus, these are old wounds. We should talk about the photo.”
Zey tap zeir foot on the tile, making a sharp clacking sound.
“What do you plan to do about it?”
He looks a bit hurt at Perry's masking. He really didn't want to make zem uncomfortable, but... he wishes zey'd open up more.
When Perry mentions the photo, his face goes red with blush. His eyes avoid zeirs as he talks, fidgeting under his shirt sleeve.
Nothing.
I'm just going to avoid him, and hopefully he'll forget about me. He deserves to let go, and me being around him probably doesn't help with that.
He doesn't know I found the photo... so I can probably find some way to discreetly return it to him? I shouldn't have taken it, I know, but I panicked. I just...
I don't want to hurt him, you know?
His voice goes quiet on the last sentence, thinking back to what Satsuo said.
{...H-O-S-H-I forget-me do what? Devastate me. Everyday I cry, I mourn. They my life finish. Their not-fault, but it hurt.}
God, he'd fucked up. He'd fucked up BAD.
Perry looks away, staring at one of the plants on zeir wall.
“I think, at some point, it’ll hurt him more if you never talk to him again. You just heard me fall apart thanks to an ex of mine—sometimes, if we don’t get closure, it hurts more than if we never think about it again.
I think you should talk to him. It will at least give him a chance to apologize, and maybe if he apologizes to someone who at least was a person he loved, you both can move on. Act like it never happened, and keep going.
Or maybe you two can keep talking, and see if you two can become friends after everything. I don’t know. It’s up to you.”
I... I guess. But I don't even know what I'd say. I don't remember any of our past, and he doesn't even know that I have this. What if he hates me for basically lying to him?
His breathing becomes slightly, almost unnoticeably quicker. He doesn't seem to notice, too focused on his fidgeting, but continues on.
But you're right. He deserves to have that chance. And I would like to get to know him, he really does seem nice.
Perry looks back at Jake, eyes soft but expression firm.
“You both deserve a chance to move on from this. I’m going to head back to my office, work on a few things of my own. Please talk to him, and soon.”
Zey stand up laboriously, grab zeir cane, and walk out.