I Am Halfway Home! @emulacity - Tumblr Blog

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“You can... track his health?” Circuit tilted his head. “Didn’t remember that was something you could do. Is it because you drank his blood? I think he’s probably fine. My bet would be he’s on his way now.” Circuit sat down and paused. He bit his lip, “but uh... you think you could show me how that works? Call me curious to a fault, heh.”

Surge shook the hourglass. “We’ve been gone a few hours at least. I’m not a science guy though...,” Surge huffed. A concerned look crossed his face, “what will happen when it runs out?”

"Vell I don't pay attention to zat stuff most of ze time. I'm just a little vorried about him so I bring it up." She shrugged, "Vonce I bite somevone, I can keep track of zeir health for a vile. It's meant more for if jou turn somevone jou can tell if zey get in trouble but I can still feel his health a little."

"Well when we opened the box, that's when we got the old memories, right?" Brene asked, looking at him. "So once the timer runs out..." she paused, looking a little concerned now too. "Do we forget everything again?"

“Well then, how is he? I’d hope he’s done being a baby by now.” Circuit tilted his head. He didn’t get a bad feeling about the Steve situation. The man could generally handle himself. But... now he’s curious. And it was getting the best of him, as usual.

Surge stared at the box for a while. His expression shifted to that of someone trying to hide how upset they were. His jaw worked as he looked at the falling sand. “WELP-“ He loudly exclaimed in his usual rambunctious tone to hide any hint he may be having a human feeling. “The solution is clear. We just gotta make sure it doesn’t run out. When it gets low we’ll give it the ol’ flipparoo and boom. Reset and ready to keep trucking.” Surge shook the box and tried to find any sort of rewind dial on the thing.

Snake paused for a moment, trying to pay attention to the thin connection, "He seems fine for now, it's a little low from punching trees but I tink he is okay. I don't feel any panic from him." She said, after a minute.

"... Surge, I don't think you can just reset that. If Net is the one that gave it to Steve, then I think he's the one that made it and I doubt he'd let it last any longer than intended." Brene remarked, looking at him.

Circuit tilted his head, “but... you healed those wounds. There’s no reason for it to have dropped since then.” His feathers ruffled with worry. Steve... was coming back soon, right? He flipped out his phone and called him. It rang, and rang, and raaaaaaaaaang- oh! He picked up.

“Steve? are you okay? It’s been a while and I was wondering if you were heading back here or going home?” Circuit paused as Steve replied. His face grew concerned again, “You knew the mobs would spawn, right? That’s just-“ He scowled in annoyance, “Alright. I get you’re still a little grumpy. I’ll ask the girls or snake to get you since they can run like light speed or something.” He hung up and looked at snake.

“Seems time got away from him,” He explained, “Steve got caught with the mobs spawning and had to book it. Apparently he dicided to take a detour to that cave you mentioned before the sun set and hadn’t realized it. He’s on his way, but progress is a bit slow with the mobs. You’re good with mobs, right? Maybe you or Steff can help him? He said he’s on the trail we used to get here.”

Surge shook his head. “It’s gotta last longer. I can’t forget you again,” his voice wavered. He started shaking the box in frustration. The sand within it didn’t seem effected by the violent shaking.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“You can... track his health?” Circuit tilted his head. “Didn’t remember that was something you could do. Is it because you drank his blood? I think he’s probably fine. My bet would be he’s on his way now.” Circuit sat down and paused. He bit his lip, “but uh... you think you could show me how that works? Call me curious to a fault, heh.”

Surge shook the hourglass. “We’ve been gone a few hours at least. I’m not a science guy though...,” Surge huffed. A concerned look crossed his face, “what will happen when it runs out?”

"Vell I don't pay attention to zat stuff most of ze time. I'm just a little vorried about him so I bring it up." She shrugged, "Vonce I bite somevone, I can keep track of zeir health for a vile. It's meant more for if jou turn somevone jou can tell if zey get in trouble but I can still feel his health a little."

"Well when we opened the box, that's when we got the old memories, right?" Brene asked, looking at him. "So once the timer runs out..." she paused, looking a little concerned now too. "Do we forget everything again?"

“Well then, how is he? I’d hope he’s done being a baby by now.” Circuit tilted his head. He didn’t get a bad feeling about the Steve situation. The man could generally handle himself. But... now he’s curious. And it was getting the best of him, as usual.

Surge stared at the box for a while. His expression shifted to that of someone trying to hide how upset they were. His jaw worked as he looked at the falling sand. “WELP-“ He loudly exclaimed in his usual rambunctious tone to hide any hint he may be having a human feeling. “The solution is clear. We just gotta make sure it doesn’t run out. When it gets low we’ll give it the ol’ flipparoo and boom. Reset and ready to keep trucking.” Surge shook the box and tried to find any sort of rewind dial on the thing.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“You can... track his health?” Circuit tilted his head. “Didn’t remember that was something you could do. Is it because you drank his blood? I think he’s probably fine. My bet would be he’s on his way now.” Circuit sat down and paused. He bit his lip, “but uh... you think you could show me how that works? Call me curious to a fault, heh.”

Surge shook the hourglass. “We’ve been gone a few hours at least. I’m not a science guy though...,” Surge huffed. A concerned look crossed his face, “what will happen when it runs out?”

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“Am I? I just feel like... me.” Circuit shrugged as they walked, “Though I must admit what I’m going through now is nothing compared to what I went through then.” His smile faltered as he thought about it, but unlike Steve, he quickly returned to a good mood. “But that’s another lifetime. Literally. I may have a soul crushing 9-5 and a arrest record but at least I don’t have a hole in my chest. Honestly that thing was so hard to clean in the shower. And my wings, oof. Such fragile little things.” His wings quivered just thinking about it.

“I’m touched. Really. I’m sure we can find some pretty romantic ways to pass the time...” he smiled charmingly. Though soon his boyish mischief was returning. “Say. Wanna race back to the house? I bet I can take you!” He dropped to one knee in a race starting position.

Steff chuckled, "I bet, that hole just seemed really inconvenient at least. Yeah, at least you can use these ones, could you fly with your old ones?I can't even remember."

Brene smirked, "You really wanna race me? Alright, I'll race you, first one the gets a foot rub from the loser." She teased, taking her stance.

“That’s one thing new me and old me have in common. I used to be able to fly with them, but due to certain circumstances, I lost the ability. Back then they shrunk to like a foot long, now they’re just prematurely molting.” He flapped his wings and a few small downy feathers fluttered off. “It really is like I said earlier. Same problems, different reasons.”

“I should warn you, I’m very bad at foot rubs,” Surge smirked. After a moment he shouted “Okay, on my mark! Ready? ThreetwooneGO!” And get took off.

Steff nodded, seeing the house in the distance, "But Snake still has that stuff, for you're wings."

"Well then you better beat me." She chuckled. On 'go' she took off, passing him easily with her speed, she slowed down, just keeping ahead of him. She didn't want to beat him that quickly.

“Which I highly appreciate. I do hope it helps. I really don’t want to resort to either clean plucking to save face or... how do I describe it and not sound pathetic... a wig for my wings? Not like I could afford one anyway but... it would be embarrassing.” He cringed slightly at the thought. Honestly he’d rather just go clean than use fake feathers to make himself feel better. He shrugged it off and turned to Steff, “But you don’t have to worry about stuff like that. You’re immortal, and a woman. Women usually don’t go bald as badly or as much as men.”

Surge ran until his legs were blurs. He felt the wind on his face and sweat on his brow but he just. Couldn’t. Catch. Her. He leaned forward to try and really boost his speed. If only he could teleport. If only! Soon he had to slow. He made no progress trying to catch Brene, and his legs began to scream in protest. He was so close! But, he felt himself drag behind. And with it, he felt the sting of defeat.

"Wing wigs? I didn't know those were a thing." Steff said surprised, "How does that even work? With how a wing moves, I doubt it fits well."

Brene slowed, hand touching the door, "I win." She giggled, turning to look back at her opponent. "Surge, you good over there?" She asked.

“The ones I’ve seen? never look convincing. They’re mostly decorative so wings don’t need to move. Now prosthetic wings? That’s a mix of form and function. But... then it’s obvious how bald I would be. I’m... not keen on it.” Circuit shrugged. “I’m sure Snake would understand.”

Surge ended up panting to the finish. He slowly lowered himself to the ground. “No, the defeat is killing me. You did this, Brene,” he layed on his back and played dead, “you did this. I’m dead now.” So a dead man talks? interesting.

"Don't vorry, I understand entirely. I'd be very upset to if I vas molting." Snake said, as she was still there, she had just fallen to the back and kept quiet, she was thinking.

"A talking dead man, huh? Welp, better get you into the house." Se chucked, opening the door and lifting up the larger man onto her shoulder to drag inside.

“Thank you. It’s nice to have another winged friend to talk to. We get each other’s wing problems. We’re wing buddies.” He smiled and gestured between them with his hands. He paused as they walked towards the house. “I do hope Steve catches up soon. Or at least texts that he’s going somewhere safe. I know he’s a outdoorsman but I still worry about the wildness of the woods.”

“Noooooooooo~” Surge whined as he was dragged like a oversized stuffed animal. He didn’t protest however, and let her take him inside.

Snake chuckled, "Ja, ving buddies." She smiled, shuffling her wings. "Ja, I hope he's okay. Ze forest around here isn't too bad during ze day but I tink zere is an open cave somevere around his old house." She said.

Brene laughed at his little plea, dragging him inside and plopping him into the couch. "Hush dead man." She smiled, sitting next to him.

As they caught up Citcuit stepped aside at the door to hold it for the girls. “Open cave? I’m going to be honest my memory isn’t what it used to be and I don’t remember the cave you’re referencing. I know a few but... eh. Caves are Steve’s bread and butter. Miner, and all that. Or... former miner? He doesn’t really do much of that now. Why? Is it dangerous?”

Surge fake pouted on the couch and leaned up against Brene. He glanced down at the mix still on the table and picked it up. The sand in the hourglass was still steadily flowing, but now a decent amount of it had passed. “Odd. I’d think it would be through by now. This thing is puny.”

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“Am I? I just feel like... me.” Circuit shrugged as they walked, “Though I must admit what I’m going through now is nothing compared to what I went through then.” His smile faltered as he thought about it, but unlike Steve, he quickly returned to a good mood. “But that’s another lifetime. Literally. I may have a soul crushing 9-5 and a arrest record but at least I don’t have a hole in my chest. Honestly that thing was so hard to clean in the shower. And my wings, oof. Such fragile little things.” His wings quivered just thinking about it.

“I’m touched. Really. I’m sure we can find some pretty romantic ways to pass the time...” he smiled charmingly. Though soon his boyish mischief was returning. “Say. Wanna race back to the house? I bet I can take you!” He dropped to one knee in a race starting position.

Steff chuckled, "I bet, that hole just seemed really inconvenient at least. Yeah, at least you can use these ones, could you fly with your old ones?I can't even remember."

Brene smirked, "You really wanna race me? Alright, I'll race you, first one the gets a foot rub from the loser." She teased, taking her stance.

“That’s one thing new me and old me have in common. I used to be able to fly with them, but due to certain circumstances, I lost the ability. Back then they shrunk to like a foot long, now they’re just prematurely molting.” He flapped his wings and a few small downy feathers fluttered off. “It really is like I said earlier. Same problems, different reasons.”

“I should warn you, I’m very bad at foot rubs,” Surge smirked. After a moment he shouted “Okay, on my mark! Ready? ThreetwooneGO!” And get took off.

Steff nodded, seeing the house in the distance, "But Snake still has that stuff, for you're wings."

"Well then you better beat me." She chuckled. On 'go' she took off, passing him easily with her speed, she slowed down, just keeping ahead of him. She didn't want to beat him that quickly.

“Which I highly appreciate. I do hope it helps. I really don’t want to resort to either clean plucking to save face or... how do I describe it and not sound pathetic... a wig for my wings? Not like I could afford one anyway but... it would be embarrassing.” He cringed slightly at the thought. Honestly he’d rather just go clean than use fake feathers to make himself feel better. He shrugged it off and turned to Steff, “But you don’t have to worry about stuff like that. You’re immortal, and a woman. Women usually don’t go bald as badly or as much as men.”

Surge ran until his legs were blurs. He felt the wind on his face and sweat on his brow but he just. Couldn’t. Catch. Her. He leaned forward to try and really boost his speed. If only he could teleport. If only! Soon he had to slow. He made no progress trying to catch Brene, and his legs began to scream in protest. He was so close! But, he felt himself drag behind. And with it, he felt the sting of defeat.

"Wing wigs? I didn't know those were a thing." Steff said surprised, "How does that even work? With how a wing moves, I doubt it fits well."

Brene slowed, hand touching the door, "I win." She giggled, turning to look back at her opponent. "Surge, you good over there?" She asked.

“The ones I’ve seen? never look convincing. They’re mostly decorative so wings don’t need to move. Now prosthetic wings? That’s a mix of form and function. But... then it’s obvious how bald I would be. I’m... not keen on it.” Circuit shrugged. “I’m sure Snake would understand.”

Surge ended up panting to the finish. He slowly lowered himself to the ground. “No, the defeat is killing me. You did this, Brene,” he layed on his back and played dead, “you did this. I’m dead now.” So a dead man talks? interesting.

"Don't vorry, I understand entirely. I'd be very upset to if I vas molting." Snake said, as she was still there, she had just fallen to the back and kept quiet, she was thinking.

"A talking dead man, huh? Welp, better get you into the house." Se chucked, opening the door and lifting up the larger man onto her shoulder to drag inside.

#askherobreneandsteffstuff #thread; back for a day #sorry school floored me!

“Thank you. It’s nice to have another winged friend to talk to. We get each other’s wing problems. We’re wing buddies.” He smiled and gestured between them with his hands. He paused as they walked towards the house. “I do hope Steve catches up soon. Or at least texts that he’s going somewhere safe. I know he’s a outdoorsman but I still worry about the wildness of the woods.”

“Noooooooooo~” Surge whined as he was dragged like a oversized stuffed animal. He didn’t protest however, and let her take him inside.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“Am I? I just feel like... me.” Circuit shrugged as they walked, “Though I must admit what I’m going through now is nothing compared to what I went through then.” His smile faltered as he thought about it, but unlike Steve, he quickly returned to a good mood. “But that’s another lifetime. Literally. I may have a soul crushing 9-5 and a arrest record but at least I don’t have a hole in my chest. Honestly that thing was so hard to clean in the shower. And my wings, oof. Such fragile little things.” His wings quivered just thinking about it.

“I’m touched. Really. I’m sure we can find some pretty romantic ways to pass the time...” he smiled charmingly. Though soon his boyish mischief was returning. “Say. Wanna race back to the house? I bet I can take you!” He dropped to one knee in a race starting position.

Steff chuckled, "I bet, that hole just seemed really inconvenient at least. Yeah, at least you can use these ones, could you fly with your old ones?I can't even remember."

Brene smirked, "You really wanna race me? Alright, I'll race you, first one the gets a foot rub from the loser." She teased, taking her stance.

“That’s one thing new me and old me have in common. I used to be able to fly with them, but due to certain circumstances, I lost the ability. Back then they shrunk to like a foot long, now they’re just prematurely molting.” He flapped his wings and a few small downy feathers fluttered off. “It really is like I said earlier. Same problems, different reasons.”

“I should warn you, I’m very bad at foot rubs,” Surge smirked. After a moment he shouted “Okay, on my mark! Ready? ThreetwooneGO!” And get took off.

Steff nodded, seeing the house in the distance, "But Snake still has that stuff, for you're wings."

"Well then you better beat me." She chuckled. On 'go' she took off, passing him easily with her speed, she slowed down, just keeping ahead of him. She didn't want to beat him that quickly.

“Which I highly appreciate. I do hope it helps. I really don’t want to resort to either clean plucking to save face or... how do I describe it and not sound pathetic... a wig for my wings? Not like I could afford one anyway but... it would be embarrassing.” He cringed slightly at the thought. Honestly he’d rather just go clean than use fake feathers to make himself feel better. He shrugged it off and turned to Steff, “But you don’t have to worry about stuff like that. You’re immortal, and a woman. Women usually don’t go bald as badly or as much as men.”

Surge ran until his legs were blurs. He felt the wind on his face and sweat on his brow but he just. Couldn’t. Catch. Her. He leaned forward to try and really boost his speed. If only he could teleport. If only! Soon he had to slow. He made no progress trying to catch Brene, and his legs began to scream in protest. He was so close! But, he felt himself drag behind. And with it, he felt the sting of defeat.

"Wing wigs? I didn't know those were a thing." Steff said surprised, "How does that even work? With how a wing moves, I doubt it fits well."

Brene slowed, hand touching the door, "I win." She giggled, turning to look back at her opponent. "Surge, you good over there?" She asked.

“The ones I’ve seen? never look convincing. They’re mostly decorative so wings don’t need to move. Now prosthetic wings? That’s a mix of form and function. But... then it’s obvious how bald I would be. I’m... not keen on it.” Circuit shrugged. “I’m sure Snake would understand.”

Surge ended up panting to the finish. He slowly lowered himself to the ground. “No, the defeat is killing me. You did this, Brene,” he layed on his back and played dead, “you did this. I’m dead now.” So a dead man talks? interesting.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“Am I? I just feel like... me.” Circuit shrugged as they walked, “Though I must admit what I’m going through now is nothing compared to what I went through then.” His smile faltered as he thought about it, but unlike Steve, he quickly returned to a good mood. “But that’s another lifetime. Literally. I may have a soul crushing 9-5 and a arrest record but at least I don’t have a hole in my chest. Honestly that thing was so hard to clean in the shower. And my wings, oof. Such fragile little things.” His wings quivered just thinking about it.

“I’m touched. Really. I’m sure we can find some pretty romantic ways to pass the time...” he smiled charmingly. Though soon his boyish mischief was returning. “Say. Wanna race back to the house? I bet I can take you!” He dropped to one knee in a race starting position.

Steff chuckled, "I bet, that hole just seemed really inconvenient at least. Yeah, at least you can use these ones, could you fly with your old ones?I can't even remember."

Brene smirked, "You really wanna race me? Alright, I'll race you, first one the gets a foot rub from the loser." She teased, taking her stance.

“That’s one thing new me and old me have in common. I used to be able to fly with them, but due to certain circumstances, I lost the ability. Back then they shrunk to like a foot long, now they’re just prematurely molting.” He flapped his wings and a few small downy feathers fluttered off. “It really is like I said earlier. Same problems, different reasons.”

“I should warn you, I’m very bad at foot rubs,” Surge smirked. After a moment he shouted “Okay, on my mark! Ready? ThreetwooneGO!” And get took off.

Steff nodded, seeing the house in the distance, "But Snake still has that stuff, for you're wings."

"Well then you better beat me." She chuckled. On 'go' she took off, passing him easily with her speed, she slowed down, just keeping ahead of him. She didn't want to beat him that quickly.

“Which I highly appreciate. I do hope it helps. I really don’t want to resort to either clean plucking to save face or... how do I describe it and not sound pathetic... a wig for my wings? Not like I could afford one anyway but... it would be embarrassing.” He cringed slightly at the thought. Honestly he’d rather just go clean than use fake feathers to make himself feel better. He shrugged it off and turned to Steff, “But you don’t have to worry about stuff like that. You’re immortal, and a woman. Women usually don’t go bald as badly or as much as men.”

Surge ran until his legs were blurs. He felt the wind on his face and sweat on his brow but he just. Couldn’t. Catch. Her. He leaned forward to try and really boost his speed. If only he could teleport. If only! Soon he had to slow. He made no progress trying to catch Brene, and his legs began to scream in protest. He was so close! But, he felt himself drag behind. And with it, he felt the sting of defeat.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“Am I? I just feel like... me.” Circuit shrugged as they walked, “Though I must admit what I’m going through now is nothing compared to what I went through then.” His smile faltered as he thought about it, but unlike Steve, he quickly returned to a good mood. “But that’s another lifetime. Literally. I may have a soul crushing 9-5 and a arrest record but at least I don’t have a hole in my chest. Honestly that thing was so hard to clean in the shower. And my wings, oof. Such fragile little things.” His wings quivered just thinking about it.

“I’m touched. Really. I’m sure we can find some pretty romantic ways to pass the time...” he smiled charmingly. Though soon his boyish mischief was returning. “Say. Wanna race back to the house? I bet I can take you!” He dropped to one knee in a race starting position.

Steff chuckled, "I bet, that hole just seemed really inconvenient at least. Yeah, at least you can use these ones, could you fly with your old ones?I can't even remember."

Brene smirked, "You really wanna race me? Alright, I'll race you, first one the gets a foot rub from the loser." She teased, taking her stance.

“That’s one thing new me and old me have in common. I used to be able to fly with them, but due to certain circumstances, I lost the ability. Back then they shrunk to like a foot long, now they’re just prematurely molting.” He flapped his wings and a few small downy feathers fluttered off. “It really is like I said earlier. Same problems, different reasons.”

“I should warn you, I’m very bad at foot rubs,” Surge smirked. After a moment he shouted “Okay, on my mark! Ready? ThreetwooneGO!” And get took off.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

“Am I? I just feel like... me.” Circuit shrugged as they walked, “Though I must admit what I’m going through now is nothing compared to what I went through then.” His smile faltered as he thought about it, but unlike Steve, he quickly returned to a good mood. “But that’s another lifetime. Literally. I may have a soul crushing 9-5 and a arrest record but at least I don’t have a hole in my chest. Honestly that thing was so hard to clean in the shower. And my wings, oof. Such fragile little things.” His wings quivered just thinking about it.

“I’m touched. Really. I’m sure we can find some pretty romantic ways to pass the time...” he smiled charmingly. Though soon his boyish mischief was returning. “Say. Wanna race back to the house? I bet I can take you!” He dropped to one knee in a race starting position.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Circuit looked at the foundation and thought. His mind was no longer a steel trap of computer ai, of that he at least was sure, but he was confident he knew every pebble of the place. It would only take-

Circuit frowned. Places don’t just disappear for no reason. It took Steve years to build the place on his own, and that was without a 9-5 dragging him down. “Perhaps it’s for the best we let it lie,” Circuit pondered, “I miss the place, sure but... it just won’t be the same place. Even if we perfectly rebuild it. The three of us lead new lives. I feel like it would be backtracking to try and revive the old one.”

Surge laughed, “Yeah. I lost my old roommate and ended up with you. Arguably worse if you ask me.”

Circuit looked at him and puffed up in annoyance. Though it was obviously that fake loving annoyance between siblings. “I can always not heal you. You don’t have insurance.”

“Neither do you, puffball.” Surge snickered and got up. He clapped Curcuit on the back and kept walking. He looked back at everyone, “let’s get going before Steve falls another tree, yeah?”

Brene nodded, "Yeah, that's probably why it's gone." She shrugged, walking with Surge.

Steff smiled, watching the brotherly interaction, "You two are definitely brothers, maybe not biologically but you two are just good brothers." She said, standing with Circuit, "Yeah, let's go, I still want those grilled cheeses Snake was gonna make."

Circuit smiled and blushed, “Guess we’ve always clicked. Even when I forgot I guess we kept a similar dynamic.” Circuit looked at Surge a moment. “Honesly he hasn’t changed much. Lost a tail but ah...” The sun glinting off the gem in Surge’s chest made Circuit get a little nostalgic. “Guess some things didn’t change that much either. I doubt the others are just gone. But all this makes me wonder where they went. Gramm is now my cruddy a-hole boss, Steve is... Steve. I don’t even remember Fanshi in the before. She’s new. But I wonder what happened to the others. To Servo and Gig...” He didn’t seem upset just... curious.

Surge didn’t differ from his usual loud self. He had the grace of a bulldozer as they walked through the woods. His tail idly swung as he strode next to Brene. “I’m glad you don’t mind the new look. I know this one doesn’t have as many tricks. But I can do this,” He flipped up his hood, and the piercings in it jingled. He flipped it up and down rapidly a few times. “Couldn’t do that before.”

"Yeah, it is a bit odd." Steff agreed, "But I like the changes, at least this one means that your condition isn't permanent like last time." She said, looking down at him.

Brene giggled at the jingles, "Yeah, I like that one, the only thing I'm really upset about is that you can't swim in lava with me. But that's what fire resistance potions are for." She shrugged.

Circuit barked a laugh. “You got me there. Plus I have a nose,” He gently pinched his nose, “It’s the little things. I do miss teleporting though. That was nice.” Circuit paused. His eyes unfocused a moment. He suddenly grabbed Steff’s sleeve and pulled on it. “Say a paradox. Do it.”

Surge tapped his chin, “That’s fire resistance, not fire immunity. But I’d try it, yeah!” Could he die? Yes. Was he considering that possibility? No. Surge is a simple man.

Steff chuckled, looking down to him, "This sentence is false."

Brene shrugged, "Yeah, it would be temporary but it would still work... maybe I could make a hot tub to share, that would be a safe alternative."

Circuit pointed at her, his eyes alight. “I don’t care,” he excitedly replied, “The sentence makes no sense and I don’t even care.” He fist pumped the air in jubilation. It was the little things. “Steff I know I haven’t cared about paradoxes in years but with these new memories it feels so special. I can say divide by zero and not get a headache.”

Surge chuckled, “A romantic substitute, at the very least.” He tilted Brene’s chin up and gave her a quick kiss.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Circuit looked at the foundation and thought. His mind was no longer a steel trap of computer ai, of that he at least was sure, but he was confident he knew every pebble of the place. It would only take-

Circuit frowned. Places don’t just disappear for no reason. It took Steve years to build the place on his own, and that was without a 9-5 dragging him down. “Perhaps it’s for the best we let it lie,” Circuit pondered, “I miss the place, sure but... it just won’t be the same place. Even if we perfectly rebuild it. The three of us lead new lives. I feel like it would be backtracking to try and revive the old one.”

Surge laughed, “Yeah. I lost my old roommate and ended up with you. Arguably worse if you ask me.”

Circuit looked at him and puffed up in annoyance. Though it was obviously that fake loving annoyance between siblings. “I can always not heal you. You don’t have insurance.”

“Neither do you, puffball.” Surge snickered and got up. He clapped Curcuit on the back and kept walking. He looked back at everyone, “let’s get going before Steve falls another tree, yeah?”

Brene nodded, "Yeah, that's probably why it's gone." She shrugged, walking with Surge.

Steff smiled, watching the brotherly interaction, "You two are definitely brothers, maybe not biologically but you two are just good brothers." She said, standing with Circuit, "Yeah, let's go, I still want those grilled cheeses Snake was gonna make."

Circuit smiled and blushed, “Guess we’ve always clicked. Even when I forgot I guess we kept a similar dynamic.” Circuit looked at Surge a moment. “Honesly he hasn’t changed much. Lost a tail but ah...” The sun glinting off the gem in Surge’s chest made Circuit get a little nostalgic. “Guess some things didn’t change that much either. I doubt the others are just gone. But all this makes me wonder where they went. Gramm is now my cruddy a-hole boss, Steve is... Steve. I don’t even remember Fanshi in the before. She’s new. But I wonder what happened to the others. To Servo and Gig...” He didn’t seem upset just... curious.

Surge didn’t differ from his usual loud self. He had the grace of a bulldozer as they walked through the woods. His tail idly swung as he strode next to Brene. “I’m glad you don’t mind the new look. I know this one doesn’t have as many tricks. But I can do this,” He flipped up his hood, and the piercings in it jingled. He flipped it up and down rapidly a few times. “Couldn’t do that before.”

"Yeah, it is a bit odd." Steff agreed, "But I like the changes, at least this one means that your condition isn't permanent like last time." She said, looking down at him.

Brene giggled at the jingles, "Yeah, I like that one, the only thing I'm really upset about is that you can't swim in lava with me. But that's what fire resistance potions are for." She shrugged.

Circuit barked a laugh. “You got me there. Plus I have a nose,” He gently pinched his nose, “It’s the little things. I do miss teleporting though. That was nice.” Circuit paused. His eyes unfocused a moment. He suddenly grabbed Steff’s sleeve and pulled on it. “Say a paradox. Do it.”

Surge tapped his chin, “That’s fire resistance, not fire immunity. But I’d try it, yeah!” Could he die? Yes. Was he considering that possibility? No. Surge is a simple man.

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Circuit looked at the foundation and thought. His mind was no longer a steel trap of computer ai, of that he at least was sure, but he was confident he knew every pebble of the place. It would only take-

Circuit frowned. Places don’t just disappear for no reason. It took Steve years to build the place on his own, and that was without a 9-5 dragging him down. “Perhaps it’s for the best we let it lie,” Circuit pondered, “I miss the place, sure but... it just won’t be the same place. Even if we perfectly rebuild it. The three of us lead new lives. I feel like it would be backtracking to try and revive the old one.”

Surge laughed, “Yeah. I lost my old roommate and ended up with you. Arguably worse if you ask me.”

Circuit looked at him and puffed up in annoyance. Though it was obviously that fake loving annoyance between siblings. “I can always not heal you. You don’t have insurance.”

“Neither do you, puffball.” Surge snickered and got up. He clapped Curcuit on the back and kept walking. He looked back at everyone, “let’s get going before Steve falls another tree, yeah?”

Brene nodded, "Yeah, that's probably why it's gone." She shrugged, walking with Surge.

Steff smiled, watching the brotherly interaction, "You two are definitely brothers, maybe not biologically but you two are just good brothers." She said, standing with Circuit, "Yeah, let's go, I still want those grilled cheeses Snake was gonna make."

Circuit smiled and blushed, “Guess we’ve always clicked. Even when I forgot I guess we kept a similar dynamic.” Circuit looked at Surge a moment. “Honesly he hasn’t changed much. Lost a tail but ah...” The sun glinting off the gem in Surge’s chest made Circuit get a little nostalgic. “Guess some things didn’t change that much either. I doubt the others are just gone. But all this makes me wonder where they went. Gramm is now my cruddy a-hole boss, Steve is... Steve. I don’t even remember Fanshi in the before. She’s new. But I wonder what happened to the others. To Servo and Gig...” He didn’t seem upset just... curious.

Surge didn’t differ from his usual loud self. He had the grace of a bulldozer as they walked through the woods. His tail idly swung as he strode next to Brene. “I’m glad you don’t mind the new look. I know this one doesn’t have as many tricks. But I can do this,” He flipped up his hood, and the piercings in it jingled. He flipped it up and down rapidly a few times. “Couldn’t do that before.”

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Circuit looked at the foundation and thought. His mind was no longer a steel trap of computer ai, of that he at least was sure, but he was confident he knew every pebble of the place. It would only take-

Circuit frowned. Places don’t just disappear for no reason. It took Steve years to build the place on his own, and that was without a 9-5 dragging him down. “Perhaps it’s for the best we let it lie,” Circuit pondered, “I miss the place, sure but... it just won’t be the same place. Even if we perfectly rebuild it. The three of us lead new lives. I feel like it would be backtracking to try and revive the old one.”

Surge laughed, “Yeah. I lost my old roommate and ended up with you. Arguably worse if you ask me.”

Circuit looked at him and puffed up in annoyance. Though it was obviously that fake loving annoyance between siblings. “I can always not heal you. You don’t have insurance.”

“Neither do you, puffball.” Surge snickered and got up. He clapped Curcuit on the back and kept walking. He looked back at everyone, “let’s get going before Steve falls another tree, yeah?”

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Steve sighed, “I’ve gone and ruined the day, haven’t I? Look I...” he ran a hand through his hair and looked back at the trees, “I’m sorry for yelling at you I just- I can’t not feel these feelings. I can’t pretend to not be hurt.”

Circuit finally decided to go and check on the two. He walked up to see Snake on the ground, Steve pretty much standing over her, and- despite his hands being healed- remaining blood on his hands. Thankfully Circuit didn’t assume the worst, but it wasn’t a pleasant scene. “Steve? What have you been doing back here?”

“Why aren’t you mad?” Steve accused. He pointed at Circuit. “You lived there too. You helped build it too. You remember what happened to you. How are you so calm about all of this?”

Circuit’s wings puffed up, “Of course I’m upset! I lost so much! I just remembered I had 3 siblings, a boyfriend, a life that just- poof! Gone! But I’m not punching trees about it. I’m looking at the light while you wallow in the dark. We have friends! We should enjoy the time we have, who knows how long we’ll have it! Being a tantrum throwing child just hurts more than it helps.” Circuit strode forward and knelt by Snake to help her up. “Are you okay? I think we need to give Steve some more time to cool off.”

"I'm fine, I'm more vorried about Steve." Snake replied, taking the help and standing. "Maybe ve should head back und let him calm down a bit more." she agreed, shifting under her umbrella, "Just let me finish fixing his hands at least, he's still bleeding a little."

Snake took a bit of a cautious step towards him, offering to take his hand and finish healing it. She wouldn't admit it, but only having an umbrella between her and a painful death and dealing with a still angry Steve made her a bit anxious.

Steve once more didn’t struggle against her taking his hands. He was upset, but physically lashing out at friends was the last thing he wanted to do to ruin the day further. His eyes seemed unfocused as he looked away at nothing in particular. “Perhaps I am a child...” he muttered. He was a no good child throwing a tantrum because one of his toys were taken away. He just hoped Snake and Circuit would forgive him.

Circuit stood by snake. While not the most perfect cover, Circuit extended a wing to further shade Snake from the light as she worked. “I agree. Let’s go home. Steve can follow if he feels like it,” Circuit said as she worked.

Snake fixed his hand, "It's alright Steve, I understand. Jou spent time on it, even if it vas anozer jou, to just lose all progress is frustrating. But it's how ve deal vit ze frustration zat makes a difference." She said, pulling him into a gentle hug under her umbrella.

"Ja, besides, it's getting a little too bright out here." She nodded, letting him go, "I'll save jou a grilled cheese und a controller, Steve."

Steve’s face was unreadable. He didn’t deny the hug, but he didn’t nessesarily accept it either. He silently watched the two leave.

Circuit stayed near Snake. He kept his wing extended to offer shade as they walked. He rubbed his arm anxiously. “I haven’t seen him that upset in a while.” He commented as they were out of earshot. “I’m sorry you were the one to deal with the brunt of it. He didn’t lash out at you, did he? I know you’d heal too fast for me to tell. He wouldn’t hurt friends on purpose but... I know sometimes he can let his strength get away from him.”

"Nien, nien, he didn't hurt me, he stood up und I vas too close und fell back. I do see vere he's coming from vough. I felt ze exact same vay ven I lost mien vorld, I vas so angry und sad I didn't know vat to do." Snake replied, seeing the others waiting for them.

Circuit muttered something under his breath, but quickly put on a smile for the other three as they approached.

Circuit scratched his neck where the core clasp used to be, “I’m afraid Steve said he’ll join us later. We can go ahead and start heading back. I’m so sorry this all was a bust. Guess some things just aren’t meant to be, heh.” He shrugged.

Surge was sitting on a log holding Brene’s hand. He looked up at the two. “Really? You sure we shouldn’t wait up?”

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Steve sighed, “I’ve gone and ruined the day, haven’t I? Look I...” he ran a hand through his hair and looked back at the trees, “I’m sorry for yelling at you I just- I can’t not feel these feelings. I can’t pretend to not be hurt.”

Circuit finally decided to go and check on the two. He walked up to see Snake on the ground, Steve pretty much standing over her, and- despite his hands being healed- remaining blood on his hands. Thankfully Circuit didn’t assume the worst, but it wasn’t a pleasant scene. “Steve? What have you been doing back here?”

“Why aren’t you mad?” Steve accused. He pointed at Circuit. “You lived there too. You helped build it too. You remember what happened to you. How are you so calm about all of this?”

Circuit’s wings puffed up, “Of course I’m upset! I lost so much! I just remembered I had 3 siblings, a boyfriend, a life that just- poof! Gone! But I’m not punching trees about it. I’m looking at the light while you wallow in the dark. We have friends! We should enjoy the time we have, who knows how long we’ll have it! Being a tantrum throwing child just hurts more than it helps.” Circuit strode forward and knelt by Snake to help her up. “Are you okay? I think we need to give Steve some more time to cool off.”

"I'm fine, I'm more vorried about Steve." Snake replied, taking the help and standing. "Maybe ve should head back und let him calm down a bit more." she agreed, shifting under her umbrella, "Just let me finish fixing his hands at least, he's still bleeding a little."

Snake took a bit of a cautious step towards him, offering to take his hand and finish healing it. She wouldn't admit it, but only having an umbrella between her and a painful death and dealing with a still angry Steve made her a bit anxious.

Steve once more didn’t struggle against her taking his hands. He was upset, but physically lashing out at friends was the last thing he wanted to do to ruin the day further. His eyes seemed unfocused as he looked away at nothing in particular. “Perhaps I am a child...” he muttered. He was a no good child throwing a tantrum because one of his toys were taken away. He just hoped Snake and Circuit would forgive him.

Circuit stood by snake. While not the most perfect cover, Circuit extended a wing to further shade Snake from the light as she worked. “I agree. Let’s go home. Steve can follow if he feels like it,” Circuit said as she worked.

Snake fixed his hand, "It's alright Steve, I understand. Jou spent time on it, even if it vas anozer jou, to just lose all progress is frustrating. But it's how ve deal vit ze frustration zat makes a difference." She said, pulling him into a gentle hug under her umbrella.

"Ja, besides, it's getting a little too bright out here." She nodded, letting him go, "I'll save jou a grilled cheese und a controller, Steve."

Steve’s face was unreadable. He didn’t deny the hug, but he didn’t nessesarily accept it either. He silently watched the two leave.

Circuit stayed near Snake. He kept his wing extended to offer shade as they walked. He rubbed his arm anxiously. “I haven’t seen him that upset in a while.” He commented as they were out of earshot. “I’m sorry you were the one to deal with the brunt of it. He didn’t lash out at you, did he? I know you’d heal too fast for me to tell. He wouldn’t hurt friends on purpose but... I know sometimes he can let his strength get away from him.”

Steve didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His mind was far too out of it to say anything. He clutched his head as an image clarified. It was... a mirror. Through that mirror he saw himself, but not himself. The reflection looked back in the same shock Steve felt. Then the mirror broke. It’s shattered pieces tearing through him and leaving shards of the reflection all over the place. All over him. The reflection and him were indistinguishable.

As soon as it started, the pain was gone. The three sat up. There was a moment of confused silence.

Surge touched his tail, “I used to have a second tail?”

Steve touched his eyepatch, “I used to have two eyes?”

Circuit yanked the collar of his shirt down “I used to have a mother effin HOLE IN MY CHEST.” Circuit stared at the gem... core? He didn’t know anymore. Then looked up to see his roommate Surge. No... that was his brother. Oh my god that was his brother. A tight feeling clutched his throat as he struggled to say, “...Surge?”

Surge looked at Circuit and tears welled up as well. “Circ buddy?” He scooped the smaller man in a large hug and the two started crying.

@askherobreneandsteffstuff

Steve sighed, “I’ve gone and ruined the day, haven’t I? Look I...” he ran a hand through his hair and looked back at the trees, “I’m sorry for yelling at you I just- I can’t not feel these feelings. I can’t pretend to not be hurt.”

Circuit finally decided to go and check on the two. He walked up to see Snake on the ground, Steve pretty much standing over her, and- despite his hands being healed- remaining blood on his hands. Thankfully Circuit didn’t assume the worst, but it wasn’t a pleasant scene. “Steve? What have you been doing back here?”

“Why aren’t you mad?” Steve accused. He pointed at Circuit. “You lived there too. You helped build it too. You remember what happened to you. How are you so calm about all of this?”

Circuit’s wings puffed up, “Of course I’m upset! I lost so much! I just remembered I had 3 siblings, a boyfriend, a life that just- poof! Gone! But I’m not punching trees about it. I’m looking at the light while you wallow in the dark. We have friends! We should enjoy the time we have, who knows how long we’ll have it! Being a tantrum throwing child just hurts more than it helps.” Circuit strode forward and knelt by Snake to help her up. “Are you okay? I think we need to give Steve some more time to cool off.”

"I'm fine, I'm more vorried about Steve." Snake replied, taking the help and standing. "Maybe ve should head back und let him calm down a bit more." she agreed, shifting under her umbrella, "Just let me finish fixing his hands at least, he's still bleeding a little."

Snake took a bit of a cautious step towards him, offering to take his hand and finish healing it. She wouldn't admit it, but only having an umbrella between her and a painful death and dealing with a still angry Steve made her a bit anxious.