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previously: PART 1 PART 2

Adaptation Collaboration - Round 3 PART 3 (FINAL)

--Day 5–

Morphine

He couldn't believe his eyes. Just like that his helmet was now back in his possession. It smelled as it should, looked as it should, tasted as it should... nothing was amiss. Was this mentioned? Is this because of the supervision transfer? Did... Did Morgane actually re-evaluated it in the meantime? Regardless of how... This meant a great boost in his efficiency moving forward. Calibrating it again would take a while, not to mention synchronising it properly with the new tech, but that only seemed to excite him more. He would dip into a whole new range of happy sounds, shaking his hands, almost hopping around all giddy while preparing it up for data download and dressing up. If it was indeed Morgane's doing, the fox deserved another treat~ He packed a new variety of fruit he previously planned on showing him next, then skipped towards the cafeteria.

Morgane

It's about time to wrap things up. It's not as though he was taking his time those previous days, if anything they motivated him today to finish this project sooner. Each passing day being around him, so close to him, was slowly affecting him. He couldn't control it, he couldn't reason with himself about it, he couldn't understand why. It was frustrating as it was truthfully... scary. If he had to stay in this lab for the whole day past the clock just to end this sooner he was fully planned for it. He wanted his normalcy back. Just for some time again as no doubt some job may require them to work together again perhaps but this consecutive days of collaboration was slowly weighing on his mind. He sighed as he worked one of the odd machines. By the time morphine should appear in the lab he would see morgane working various machines at once. the more "finicky" ones he'd be watching over but otherwise all that he'd learned he was applying the knowledge and working on synthesizing the antimutagen types, testing, and recording the data.

Morphine

The entrance was grand as usual, melodic greetings, smiles and loud praise that to Morgane no doubt sounded shallow and rehearsed. Especially now, after many days of work. However despite how it all sounds there is nothing shallow about them. Quite the contrary. What makes them sound so unnatural is the suppression of a storm that's right underneath the surface. An intense hunger for knowledge that has him stray away even from the main goal of his own survival. A passion so deep it undermines his strongest values of efficiency, intelligence and order. A feeling he's yet to fully understand himself. He nonchalantly approached the fox humming an upbeat tune then leaned towards them handing them the usual coffee and a fruit that looked like an oval shell. Its exterior is hard and glossy, glistening like a chrysalis of a mechanitis butterfly.

Morgane

His ears flattened hearing his usual entrance...

Obnoxious. Loud.

With a tired sigh, he turned his body to face his in subtle opposition. His tails didn't stop in their flow of work but his actual hands shot up quickly to refuse his... gifts, once he saw him approach him with them.

"You must have received your helmet." His eyes glanced at the fruit and back to him, his brows furrowing slightly, "If that's your gratitude, there's no need. It was originally yours..." His hands dropped to his sides as he continued, "Truthfully this facility is keeping you prisoner. You along with everything else they deem abnormal or a risk... Even if it's being as accommodating as possible under the Director's administration, your equipment and tools have been confiscated from you when you were forcefully incapacitated... Which I've been complicit in and I'll continue to do, but at least no longer over you." It's been a while since he's talked to someone so much. But at least with being on the final stretch if he decides to drop the project he'll still finish it without him. "I appreciate your cooperation so far but there's no more benefit for you to... Act like this towards me. I no longer have anything over you. Though, the transfer will happen soon, perhaps a few days or so based on their decision, but I won't be overseeing your items anymore." Tiring. Was conversation such as this always this wearisome?

Morphine

"...ohhh..." His ears and tentacles kept drooping over his back while listening to him, then promptly lifted back up again. "OOOHHH... you thought... hah... Hahahaha... Oh dear..." He let out a relieved laughter. "I wasn't doing it for the helmet, silly. It wasn't even mentioned when I agreed to this collaboration. I didn't continue out of the need to get "even" with you. Like you said, I'm being kept prisoner here. I am also aware you could kill me in one move if you wanted to. I know very well you were holding back down there in the storage room and you still are..." He leaned even closer. "And my benefits are none of your concern~ So stop treating everything like a transaction and take the damn fruit" - he smiled with a head tilt then forced it into his hand and began preparing for work.

Morgane

He stood there a moment, even his tails paused in its movements, as held the fruit in hand. ...Why then. It was more concerning now than ever before. He didn't actually want companionship with him? No. There are others that's shown to be far more inviting and sociable in company than he ever has. Is it to ally himself with someone strong? Well... Then he has the Director's favor but perhaps he desires more allies and if that is so, it makes the next most sense... There isn't much that can be done about that however. He stared at the fruit in his hand, studying it. He knows how to gain some of his interest as well. He doesn't particularly know him in return... Perhaps he has different customs and he assumed too much. His subconscious bias does not help in his discernment of him. He never had such... Issue reading a being before. His experiences and instincts are rarely wrong. And the alien is... There's something not quite right about him. That's something to ponder more on later, for now... He turned the fruit over in his hands, brows furrowing further. What the hell does he do with this thing? Is it like a banana?

Morphine

After washing his hands and tentacles he straightened and buttoned his lab coat as always. Noticing the other's confusion he'd break the silence. "If you tug on it, it will unroll itself. The exterior is hard and inedible, the orange "mush" inside is the part you scrape and eat. ...If you don't like it... just toss it away..." His enthusiasm was visibly dimmed now as he plunged himself into tedious, factory-like work of producing multiple copies of the same blocker at the other side of the station they both worked at. "Why didn't you just get rid of me? I'm sure the Director would be lenient towards you, knowing you two are close. Why hold back? You're clever, you could have figured out what's what here, use my stuff without any help necessary." Surprisingly for the first time there was no eye contact, he simply kept all of his eyes on the task at hand. His colours stabilised as desaturated green.

Morgane

... He should throw it away.... Lost in thought perhaps, as he stayed so still. Not even his tails moving about as usual. Memories stirred, thrumming restlessly to resurface, in his subconscious. With it, echoes long ago of a phantom pain aching in his chest. After a quiet moment he spoke softly, "... You... Deserve a chance." He places the fruit on his desk. His expression unreadable. He continues, quietly, like a confession, "... Despite how I might seem to you... I... I've never liked it. Throwing something away. Getting rid of something because... Because it doesn't fit in." His gaze was fixed on his hands, clasping together in front of him a bit oddly, like petting himself. A remnant habit he never went out of his way to rid himself of. A little thing of comfort. "I'm clever but I'm not omniscient. Just because I could figure out your tools eventually doesn't mean I could happen upon your solution..." He trailed off as he wasn't quite there in the room with him, his mind a bit elsewhere, far away, saying the words he himself wished to hear long ago, "I need you."

Morphine

He needs me... huh... - a thought that had his head tilt out of confusion. That was an unusually vulnerable statement, is he opening up? This seems to develop faster than expected. He does look a bit absent minded though... But nonetheless it stirred up a storm of complicated emotions in the alien. A mix of joy out of hearing he's not being discarded for not fitting in, deserving of chance and... needed... or did he really mean useful, convenient........exploitable.... Without pointing at it now or making it the main topic of this conversation, as hard as it was, he continued their exchange.

"I see... I suppose that's fair." He looked up at him then down again. "Is it my last chance?" he half jested with a slight smirk while continuing the work.

Morgane

His ears flickered hearing him and with a few blinks, it was as though he was snapping back to the present from wherever his mind seemed to have drifted off to. After a short moment of recollecting himself, he started moving again, getting back to work.

It wasn't nearly as heavy but... He could still smell it. That scent. He's finding himself reminiscing about the past too often when he's around him... It's not his fault but, it's hard to... Not get pulled in. Be unbiased and rational. Give an objective response.

...Last chance.

Ha ha... He doesn't feel anything from the phrase, but if he did, maybe it would have stung. Maybe it does.

He answers after some time, breaking the settling silence between them, "Do you have ill intention? If not, it will never be your last."

Morphine

"If spoiling you rotten is my ill intention, then very much so" He giggled making a vague nod towards the gifted fruit.

He wanted to touch him again... bad... Strip and inspect his body, study him, run tests, record it all... Then he could be satisfied, then he could let him free, would that be so bad? He wouldn't even know most of it! So what's the harm... Especially considering how unusually fast he heals. Just a few scars if anything! Maybe he could even improve his health while he's at it! Those are good intentions. After all... he's confused and in need of guidance…

Morgane

He followed his gaze to the fruit on his desk, his eyes narrowing at the object, before looking away. A surge of irritated remarks on the tip of his tongue he barely managed to catch before they slipped out.

Why?

Spoiling me? What for? Why me?

The alien's words repeated in his head and with every repetition his irritation grew. A need to refuse him. Insult him.

Why though?

The actions that he felt himself wanting to take strongly contradicted his more logical senses.

These were emotional reactions. But on what?

Wrestling with his internal frustrations he was unaware of the lightest hint of a blush spread over his face.

He sighed, unable to decipher his feelings and gave his best objective response he could, "Surely you have more pressing matters to attend to than... That."

It wasn't his most eloquent way of phrasing it, but he didn't know what else to really call it.

Morphine

"You wouldn't be wrong about that, but I simply can't help myself. You look so pretty when you're flushed~"

He gave him a warm smile then shifted his focus back to work, measuring the ingredients, starting up another machine needed for the next batch, comparing formulas. He would begin to hum and act as if he was alone in the room, seemingly detached from the conversation that just took place, while keeping his third eye fixated on fox's reaction.

Morgane

At first it seemed he didn't hear him, staring after him with a blank look on his face, as it took an extended pause for what he said to sink in... But when it did, it was his tails to react first, from the very base to the tip ends of the tails' fur puffing and standing on end. Even his hair lifted and fluffed up as his face gradually flushed darker. The lines of his mouth twisting into a hard frown, showing the tips of his fangs, as his brows also furrowed deeply.

"Pretty." He spat the word out like venom in his mouth, "Nonsense. Still trying to get a rise out of me I see."

His head sharply turned away, unwilling to let himself be perceived by him further or continue this conversation. His movements stiff as he walked over to the furthest machine away from him to do his work.

Morphine

He leaned on his desk and let out a wistful sigh, keeping an eye on him across the room, his hair still at work around him.

"Every compliment I give you, you treat it like an insult. Why? Is that so hard to believe I'm being honest?"

Admittedly, any strong emotion displayed by his quiet and composed coworker amused him greatly. Knowing he was the cause of it. Something about being able to push his buttons, while others failed at doing so... was highly intoxicating. Though recently he had his fair share of violence directed at him as a side effect of angering the fox. One could even say he had his fill, at least for a while ...These days, he got a taste for something new - seeing Morgane enjoying himself, that satisfied chirp he let out, he needed to hear that again. Believing it's still part of the original plan, and nothing else...

"I can make this easier for you: the texture of your hands, the way you flinch and stiffen, when your brows shake and your lips curl. The way your form gently shifts and changes, when the fur at the back of your neck bristles and the way your face wrinkles so distinctively. Your little gestures, the way you walk and the little sounds you make... I find them all very pretty..."

Morgane

He barely finished what he was saying when cold hands were firmly pressing against his mouth, effectively shutting him up.

It only took him a split moment to cross the span of the distance he put between them to physically mute him. But, from his expression, this action was purely a hasty reactive one. His mouth twitching trying to form words and failing. The same for his brows and eyes as though the expression he was feeling was too complicated to show. The one constant was his deeply flushed face, slowly spreading towards his neck from his cheeks.

With how close he was, he could see parts of him shifting, lifting and fluffing up. His ears shaking, maybe even fluttering, as they lay flat against his head.

"Y-Y... You-", Even his voice sounded shaken, as his usual even tone had odd lilts in various places, "You don't even know what you're saying do you?"

His hands pressed tighter on his mouth unwilling to let him speak as he ranted on, quite flustered, "I'm not looking to be praised so don't. Ridiculous. Nonsense. I'm not supposed to look pretty... to anyone... Rather than honesty... You'll give the wrong idea with the things you say..."

His tails whirled behind him like it was mirroring the hurricane of thoughts and feelings he was experiencing internally. Though less destructively, as they waved back and forth anxiously. "Just shut up. Don't say anything. Nothing. Stop talking. Don't talk to me." He narrowed his eyes at him before slowly pulling away, crawling off his desk on all fours backwards, glaring at him, "Leave me alone."

Morphine

Visibly stunned, his colours and markings could not stabilize, like waves of emotions that he tried to suppress. "I-..." he stopped himself from commenting further, it was clear something about this kind of praise bothered the fox more than insults... Something to explore later...

The alien turned away to regain his composure, his face flushed too due to the new discovery. After a while of what seemed like him staring at the wall he cleared his throat, let out a sigh and returned to his work... against all the horrible urges stirring inside him.

Morgane

Seeing that he wasn't going to say anything as he had demanded from him, he crept his way back to his side of the lab.

And as quiet as he was for the time that passed, he couldn't help his eyes from drifting and glancing at the alien's direction as they both worked. Wary and ready to react in case he'd say something. Anything. He didn't want to hear it unless it was about their work.

...It's not as though he wasn't aware he was overreacting to a compliment of all things.

He's not supposed to be pretty.

That's not something he's allowed to be, it was taken from him, and with it everyone sees in him something different than what he is.

It was part of his punishment.

His curse wasn't affecting the alien but that didn't mean he knew what he was saying.

Unease was wringing and gnawing at the back of his mind. Fearful almost like a hole would open under him at any moment. His god enraged that... That... It... What he said...... Made him...

......

....

... Happy?

As though the realization(?) had short circuited him, he ceased all his movements mid action. Staring vacantly ahead, blankly without blinking, at nothing.

Morphine

The amount of self restraint he had to display began to chip at his psyche. It was evident in how twitchy his movements became.

He'd mumble and talk to himself, voicing his train of thought focusing on work, commenting over almost every action - a desperate attempt to ground himself. From an outsider's perspective it was a rather unsettling sight. Sometimes he would switch the language mid-sentence, then make some repetitive sounds or movements. One could never expect his next move, either with how fast he'd switch directions, move his arms or tail.

This behaviour was gaining intensity with every passing hour. Muting out Morgane's presence or any thought of him was slowly becoming impossible. The desire to speak to him, get closer to him, touch him was overwhelming. The only way he could suppress this nagging feeling was to nibble at his hand or hair, feel the pain, a temporary distraction he could not ignore. Despite that, he was able to get a huge chunk of work done.

Morgane

It took a while for him to eventually snap out of it.

Sort of.

Because even then it was as though he was mentally absent.

Still, his body was working on autopilot as it used the machines and typed on the computer. He had nothing to comment on the alien's behavior. Well, maybe he would have asked but he was quite busy dealing with his own internal conflict and quiet mental breakdown. That and the alien's quirks were no business with him, especially since he was doing his job and generally keeping his distance.

Right now he REALLY needed him to stay away and stay put over there and nowhere near him.

If he so much as breathed in his direction... Morgane wasn't entirely sure how he would react.

This calm apathetic façade felt like a confining choking plastic veil that was slowly suffocating him. Emotions were storming inside and he needed to vent. But vent what exactly? Fear? Rage? Frustration? Those weren't quite it and not knowing was like a mental itch he couldn't soothe.

Kill him.

He should kill him. Wait, no. He shouldn't. He's so annoying. Hurt him. He needs to hurt him. Stop. That's not it either.

He doesn't understand.

He wants to hurt him but not actually hurt him. It doesn't make sense. Retaliate. For what? What is he supposed to do? It's as though this time the alien is like a splinter that's embedded itself firmly in his psyche and he wants nothing more than to remove him. Yet it escapes him how to do so.

Before either of them knew it, the hours had well on passed almost through the night and past their shift altogether. But he was finished on his end.

Without a word or even a glance in Morphine's direction, he gathered his things and left. ... Taking with him the alien fruit.

Morphine

Seeing the fox leave, his body practically deflated leaning over the desk. The pressure that built inside him was barely containable by the end of the shift. He noticed digging his scalpel-claws into the table, then the numerous scratches on the other items around him. Luckily nothing too important. He groaned and leaned back in his chair.

He was confused on how to proceed from that point forward. This is NOT how it was supposed to go. He clawed at his face in frustration. The lack of contact, conversation, a goodbye left him dissatisfied... ignored..."hungry"... At the same time if he disregarded Morgane's wishes it would undermine all his previous efforts. Playing the long game proved to be more challenging than he initially thought...

Beginning with another sigh he rushed to finish his work for the day. Looking forward to seeing him again and wrapping things up the next day, the final day - which also filled him with this strange longing or... loneliness? A feeling he was well used to by now,

or so he thought...

It would be back to the same old - grasping at any form of closeness or information he could gather. Even if it meant digging in his trash, further humiliation, causing scenes, closely analysing his schedule, deals with silk or at this point often futile attempts at manipulating the director for any information. Or perhaps... he could think of creating a sort of situation where they would be forced to work together again...

--Final Day--

Morgane

The last day. It'll finally be over. Things will go back to normal after this.

Right?

The tests were run on the samples. The data was all recorded. Safety measures were taken and every possible foreseeable risk was calculated and predicted. The director was notified and scheduled for today's test and trial run.

Truthfully, it was...n't the worst working with the alien like he initially thought it would likely be. In fact, he was incredibly efficient and diligent. They had a rough start but towards the end he was very cooperative…

"I find them all very pretty..."

A deep bloodlust shot through his body as he clawed his desk leaving deep gashes in the metal, mangling its surface.

It's the last day and how was he supposed to sit in the same room with him? He stared at the door out of his lab. Almost wishing it disappeared. But duty bound, he dragged himself towards it. Staring at it as he stood in front of it. Centimeters from his face. Millimeters from his face. His fingertips hovering micrometers from the panel to open the door…

"I find them all very pretty..."

He still had time. As though his body standing in front of the door was some after image illusion, he sat as far from the door as possible. A cracking cup in hand filled with soothing medicinal tea.

... He didn't get much sleep. Or at all last night. He glared at the door as he sipped from his cup that was barely keeping itself together.

What... Is he... To do…

Morphine

The helmet was fully charged and synchronised by now, he ran a few tests and all seemed to be working just fine, something to use later in his work.

It was a mix of excitement and sadness at the thought he will soon be back in his lab... Why is that, he was supposed to focus on his own research in order to quite literally survive... he could do with less distractions, less work outside of that, less.. Whatever this illogical pull is and yet, it was overtaking his mind instead. And it felt so good... Every minute spent with Morgane was like a drug he craved more and more of leaving him with withdrawals after the shift.

If this continued even for a day longer, he'd most likely lose his composure. So many opportunities to drug his drink, inject him, damage him further, test his reactions. It became increasingly difficult not to use them. It seems too much time with him and without him were equally driving him insane and both came with their own challenges.

Unsatisfied with the previous day he headed towards the cafeteria, overthinking his next steps and behaviour, and what would work best in his favour.

starting with another cup of coffee.

Morgane

"I find them all very pretty..."

He groaned in annoyance, the sound coming out muffled with his head laying flat, face first, against his desk. That phrase haunted him since the alien said it and like a curse continued to echo in his mind again and again. After everything he's been through it shouldn't be difficult to mute something so... Simple. So... Vain. So untrue.

Obviously he has to be lying.

Yet he can't put it out of his mind.

He turned his head glancing at the door... He couldn't put it off further. Any more of this procrastinate behavior and he would actually be late.

His gaze then dragged itself to the alien fruit remnants. Unfortunately, he did enjoy it. Every bite. So much so it led to another container of a reciprocate gift next to it with the tea the alien seemed fond of.

-Bang bang bang bang-

As much as he loathed going to the lab where the alien was he was finding some part of himself almost having some sort of... anticipation. His mind drifted to memories of travelers that would visit the temple. Not only bringing it offerings for safe travel but they snuck foreign goods specifically for him. Stoking a yearning and an insatiable curiosity of the people and world beyond his mountain province. This almost similar embers of curiosity that was flickering for the alien. He refuses to make the same mistake again. ... As aware as he is, it stubbornly refuses to be put out. What changed? When? Why? So many questions and no answers.

With the clock ticking regardless, he begrudgingly pulled himself to his feet and started making his way to the lab, items in hand. It's the last day. Just one more time.

Morphine

He arrived at the lab preparing to greet his coworker but the fox didn't start working early that day like he always did. Oh no... did he refuse to work with him another day? Is he angry? Is he sick? Something must have happened. His mind immediately filled with all the possibilities, analysing the likelihood of each of them based on logic and the previous behaviours he displayed. The anticipation weighed so heavy on him he had to sit down at his desk. No mate to sip at. Just him, his thoughts and the humming of fans.

It felt lonely, too lonely. It was unusual for him to feel this way, he got used to isolation, it was one of the most comforting feelings in fact so... w h y... why was he longing for company more than simply gathering data...

Every little sound breaking the silence would cause him a dull chest pain, every passing minute he was tensing up more, his hands restless, playing with whatever he could grab around him. Little post-it notes crumpled, ripped to pieces, rapid clicks of the pen, even his metal leg began to shake as he stared at the door with bated breath and hope slowly slipping away.

Morgane

It took a couple steps down the corridor until he realized he was dragging his tails behind him on the ground. He lifted them with a sigh but he couldn't deny that he wasn't looking forward to entering the lab.

Just one more day just one more day just one more day-

He repeated the phrase internally like a mantra to comfort himself somewhat.

Truthfully it does very little.

...He doesn't understand why. If anything, some part of him is... Regretting that it's the last…

He's running late. He notes this as he tries to decide whether to hurry or keep his pace when he runs into the director.

"...Morning Director. Are you ready?"

He walks by his side to the lab.

Director

He was a little surprised to see morgane there. He paused, then went to walk along with him. [ready, I’m looking forward to the results.] he said feeling even a little nervous. He wondered how it would feel. Or taste or, who knows.

His horn lifted enough for his swirling eye to look over morgane. [you must have had quite a bit of work.] a polite way to say that he looked a little disheveled. He moved a hand over to help fix his fur a bit. Then moved his hand away. There. Better.

He would then open the door to the lab. [good morning] he greeted morphine.

Morgane

He couldn't help blinking, a bit surprised when the director tidied him up. Was he that visibly out of sorts?

He sighed, putting the thought out of his mind. Another thing to take care of later, right now his focus had to be here and his appearance wasn't that high on his mental list.

He followed in after him without announcement. Quietly placing the mate and a lunch box on the alien's desk before quickly turning to head to his station. Refusing to look or even lock eyes with him. He'll likely be making that stupid smiling expression anyways, as always.

Morphine

"HI! HELLO! OH- UHmmhhhhh..."

He jumped at the sound of the opening door. Expecting Morgane to enter first, the sight of the Director felt surreal.

What the hell?? He shook his head... That was so awkward. He properly greeted the Director right after then tensed up again seeing the fox enter right behind him. Did they... talk...? is everything fine?? Still anxious, his thoughts were racing, unsure If he should greet the fox or not at this point. He held his breath.

"Are you ready to-" oh... Another lunch box? Seems like the fruit was a fitting choice after all - he thought to himself. The fox was right, he began smiling wide, eyes following him across the room. He sighed with relief. "Are you ready, Director? I am happy to announce our work is nearly over, the only procedure that's left is direct testing. Though I can say with full confidence and trust in our collaboration that all the blockers are safe to use so there is nothing to worry about. It'll be rather a test of their effectiveness."

He noticed the mess of paper he made on his desk and began to hastily sweep them away as if hiding an embarrassing secret.

Director

[I'm ready. I look forward to testing it.] He didn't mind the strange greeting. In fact he always got weird ones. It was almost a norm. Walking in he looked around then peaked at the others as he noticed that Morgane had gifted an item to Morphine. Were they finally getting along with eachother? That's a rare thing to happen...then again Morgane has always been kind about these things.

He was an old softy. A squish of his eyes showed he was kind of pleased with such an interaction. He looked back to see morphine being...disorganized? Wow he was really cleaning up those papers. It really...was a strange day. He would take his stance in the middle leaning up at the table that he had worked on previously. [What should we test it against for now?] He asked them to let them both get themselves settled.

Morgane

Despite his earlier reluctance, it was something of a relief to get himself focused on work as most of his cacophonous thoughts became muted background noise as he settled himself into his station. His tails preparing the settings as usual from opening up the computer programs, writing the data logs, retrieving the lab equipment, and so on. As busy as he made himself he couldn't help noticing, and from there wondering... If Morphine was already here early, what was he doing if he wasn't setting up the lab?

He mentally shook off the thought. Not his business and he does not care. Last day. If he decided to slack off, so be it. But he will get through this day and he won't have to be around him as often as he had to be afterwards. Peace will return to him.

"For now I will do a brief check up on you to ensure that since we last saw you your data hasn't changed to proceed with testing." As he said this he went ahead taking records of his heart rate, his bodily reflexes, procuring a small blood sample, and so on.

As he examined his blood under the sample he continued, "You seem like your usual self, even if you had acquired new adaptations during the week, the blockers should be effective regardless. For immediate perceptible results, we should test the blockers Dr. Morphine has been working on as his are more specifically targeted. I'd like to suggest something benign: the Director's body won't react as a threat to his life. Perhaps sleep medication and dreams?"

Morphine

"Sounds like a good and non-invasive one to start with~" His tone shifted, he was back to his peppy self. Like an addict who finally got their micro-dose.

The alien headed towards the fridge and grabbed a previously prepared vial then loaded a syringe.

"This should allow you to rest for a full 8 hours and unlock your ability to dream." The moment of injection was barely noticeable thanks to his skill, there were no side-effects nor allergic reaction showing either. Everything seemed to fall under the norm, as predicted.

"It should work for at least 24h so there is no rush, once you start feeling tired simply lay down and you should be able to fall asleep.

Is there any particular adaptation you have in mind for us to test next, Director? You may receive multiple at once!~" His smile widened and ears lifted.

Director

He received the shot well. He was always a good patient, never fussing about anything. It didn't even hurt. There was a small sensation from the liquid but…nothing that alarmed him.

He looked to the cheery doctor who offered even more. [oh!] he thought about it with a hand to his chin as he tried to think. Then the hand lifted off with a small point to the sky. [I would like to celebrate the success. Maybe we can have a small party with drinks. I'd like to get drunk for once.] he said feeling like that would be a fun start. [and and……Well actually I think I might have to consider it more. This opens so many possibilities.] he didn't know where else to start.

Morgane

"A party to get drunk... Perhaps. We'll see after more observation and testing, we don't want to be rash. So, please give us any symptoms you may be feeling to record its effects. You'll be monitored by us as well so you'll have plenty of time to consider more on what you'd want."

He turned on the machines to record and watch over the director's vitals. "Director, does your body seem to be aware of the antimutagen? Or any noticeable changes it's having?"

Morphine

Another party did not sound appealing to this workaholic, eager to get back to his own research and use the helmet to speed things up. He sipped on his mate sitting back in his chair, listening to the other two and spinning.

Testing effects of sleep adaptation blocker specifically... giving the director time to decide, in his mind those choices from Morgane sounded like he wants to prolong this collaboration~ Curious...

He took a peek inside the lunch box…

Director

Director you look to himself his hand went to touch the place where he had been pierced. The two horns touching the tips of each other in thought. [Nothing noticeable, If i did not know of the shot I don't think i would have noticed it. It synergizes with my cells well.] In a way that was dangerous in its own. [Once I do sleep I might be able to notice it more then.] He looked at the two. [Is there a way to make me sleep faster?]

Morgane

Morgane brought out some sleep tablets and a glass of water for him to take with them if he needed it, when he asked. "We were getting to that. Take these." Of course they could try putting him under anesthesia but he didn't want anything too invasive or forceful with him when there was no need to yet. "The effects should cause drowsiness, lethargy, and eventually sleep. Please mention if you start feeling any of these symptoms along with anything you notice with the blockers if you can sense it."

He was completely focused on the Director; it was like he'd forgotten the alien's presence. Or at the very least, it seemed so on the surface, as he was trying to ignore him. Keeping his attention off of him so there wouldn't be any interaction between them or his own mind intruding with its unnecessary thoughts.

Inside the lunch box were what appeared to be a number of fried dumplings. Still lightly sizzling as a waft of steam rose from them. Carrying with it a mingle of various scents of herbs, spices, cooked meat, and cheese. It seems the box was well insulated in keeping the items fresh for whoever opened them.

Morphine

He closed the lunch box planning on savouring those later. They smelled so good... Their shape. The care and thought that went into their food exchange was very charming to him. It wasn't just courtesy, he was going an extra mile. Is this just the way he is towards everybody or... not... He wondered.

Ah... Sleeping pills. Still... It will still take a while before he falls asleep. He turned to his notes and wrote a few sentences, ticked off some bullet points and crossed off the other.

It appeared Morgane had most of it handled. There was not much left for the alien to do, therefore he began cleaning and storing some tools away, at least those they won't need for a while.

Director

He went to take them with a glass of water. He then would go to sit on the table then lay down for now. Normally sleeping pills would be neutralized right away. Seeing that it was something that could hinder him.

But for now nothing was happening. 10 minutes. 15. Then 30, that's when the sensation startled the worm. Control over the body and himself began to somewhat fade. He sat up, as if to fight it. A little bit of fear in him.[I think it's working…] he looked to morgane. [control is slipping, I can't seem to produce the chemicals needed to counteract…I’ll be okay right?] an ask of reassurance. His eyes drooped but fighting to stay awake.

Morgane

Seeing that the pills were working, he walked over to the director's side, cushion in hand to place under his head as he encouraged him to lie back down.

"You'll be alright. I... We'll make sure of it." His expression softened slightly as he assured him. Staying close by monitoring the director and the machines around him. Other than the occasional blips and hum of the equipment, keyboards being tapped, a pen scribbling away in the background. It was very quiet.

A moment of observation and study as the director was put to sleep. And waiting for possibly anything that could happen.

But for now it seems it was entirely successful as the director's breathing deepened and his body relaxed.

Unintentionally his own body went lax as well. They weren't quite done until he woke up but as he was able to sleep with the pills... Essentially, the collaboration was a success and so it was done. They were done. He was done.

Everything could finally go back to normal.

Morphine

He kept a watchful eye over the Director's state, except minor distress there was nothing unusual to note, not that his distress wasn't unwarranted, sleep is putting him in a vulnerable state... And a familiar tool the alien would use against most of his victims. He would often fantasise about his coworkers falling into drug induced comas and the complete power he'd get over them in isolation.

With a sudden head shake he snapped himself out of daydreaming and continued sorting out documents into separate folders.

There was no conversation between them, both doing their job, focused, quiet. At least for a while... then it slowly became unbearable...

"So far so good~" he turned his head towards the fox awaiting a reply and gauged his response.

Director

That did reassure him, he laid down on the pillow. It was a bit frightening, but…it should be okay…right? Agh! Wait there was…[dont fight] a blurb of a note before he finally fully gave into the medicine. The charts showing the sudden little panic before finally just teetering out to calm. The director is sleeping peacefully.

Morgane

He heard him. It's hard not to when it's projected into the mind directly. Although he didn't give an indication of acknowledgement as the director went under... He would try to abide by his request.

It's not like he was planning to. Not at this stage when they were finally finished.

His ear barely flicked towards the alien's direction when he spoke, but other than that he remained stoic and silent towards him as well. What he said didn't need a response. They both worked on this thoroughly so of course it would be going alright.

... His attention didn't stray from the machines. It's not that they needed so much supervision.

It... Was particularly... As the humans would say "awkward"... After yesterday. With him... They didn't need to make conversation. Even unconscious the director was still here so he must remain focused anyway from unnecessary thoughts.

Morphine

"Ahhh... what a week~" He took a pause walking closer to the director, with hands behind his back he leaned centimeters above his face before turning to Morgane again.

"He might be right, this is a cause for celebration, don't you think?" he tilted his head with a grin and narrowed eyes.

Morgane

As though he was ignoring him, he continued to withhold his responses. Not looking his way, not replying, barely reacting beyond his ear moving slightly at the sound of his voice.

[don't fight]

Right... It's not like he was meaning to pick one with him. Or trying to start anything. Obviously yesterday didn't mean anything for him... Not that it should mean anything for himself either.

It was a bit of a stretched out silence between them when he finally, quietly, spoke up, "Perhaps." His head tilted away, the bangs of his long hair falling like a light curtain, hiding his face.

Morphine

He straightened his back then with help of his tail he reached to grab a notepad and continued filling his notes on Director. Both host and director appeared deep asleep, he grabbed and lifted his hand, it then fell motionless. He lifted his eyelids, checked his breathing, kept writing and nodding sagely to himself while some of his tentacles began stimming on Director's horns. He was visibly understimulated…

Morgane

He watched him do these things to him, internally taking his own mental notes, his tails typing away on the computers inputting physical records of the unconscious director's sleep responses. Reasoning the alien's understimulated behavior was rational methods for testing how effective the blockers were. See if the director would be aware afterwards of the stimulation or the possibility the blocker was only effective to a certain degree and the pills would put him in a light sleep stage.

He turned back to his station, organizing and compiling the data. Comparing the notes of their research on the samples over the past week with the director. Studying his cell's reaction under microscopes and making use of the alien's equipment.

Morphine

Morphine was pleased to notice his coworker's growing trust for him around Director, not just that, this time he was completely vulnerable too... He made progress...

"All responses appear to match those of a healthy human, and a healthy parasite~" He checked the time then added - "and It will be... About 65 minutes till the first REM episode."

With a loud groan he stretched his back and arms then headed towards Morgane's station.

"Is there anything out of norm here?" He of course made sure to stand uncomfortably close to him and peek over his shoulder impatiently.

Morgane

He hid his agitation as his space was invaded. Unwilling to interact with him beyond a curt reply of, “No.” Staying his ground and continuing his monitoring and recording the director.

…Approaching him like that. Does he have little to do? If so… His tails grabbed his notes presenting those and sending him data logs on the pc to the alien.

“I need you to look these over. Based on his current body responses I’d like a head start into the next gen formula and synthesis of anti-mutagen as his body will build a resistance over time. I’ve been compounding the information and analysis for a possible long term effect, something akin to stasis for some of his adaptations. Please focus on that for the time being.” Away from me. Was the unspoken demand that was layered beneath this work he gave him.

Why was he this close? Leave him alone.

Morphine

"heh... Very well~" unbeknownst to Morgane he already began playing with his hair. No matter how brief, these moments of opportunity filled him with joy and sort of thrill of the hunt... Too bad he had to cut it short... or did he?~... He pulled a nearby chair and sat comfortably at Morgane's desk, studying the data directly from his computer and given notes with commentary.

"The proportions are correct, the time is slightly off here, the temperature is correct... Oh, that's clever, I didn't think about this possible outcome... mhmmm.... yessss, YESSS, this should work... and would you look at that, you have a gorgeous handwriting too"

Morgane

Here?!

This little snake.

He must’ve become too comfortable around him somehow not to expect something like this from him. Or perhaps it was the other way around since he simply sat at his desk without even asking. He had to be oblivious to do something like this. If he could feel he must be getting a migraine-

His fur bristled, head snapping to his direction, as he glared when the commentary started. Puffing up further, an unknowing light blush dusting his face, when he heard the compliment.

The motions that followed were comically fast. The chair he was sitting on lifted briefly in the air as the world around him was a sudden blur before being set down, almost like teleportation, at his desk. The indication it wasn’t that was a black tail retreating quickly from behind him.

His composed expression finally faltering, showing his impatience and irritation with the alien. A familiar twitch in his brow as the corner of his mouth pulled faintly into a small frown.

“Stay on your side… Damned fool.” He spat out, turning away from him. His black tails continued to bristle and whip behind him, like living thorny brambles to enforce the distance between them.

Morphine

Disoriented he blinked rapidly then stared at the fox wide eyed.

"pffft... you could have just told me to move if you hate my company so much, Morgane..." he turned pale red and gray then continued reading in silence. Visibly agitated, he clearly had more to say, it would show in his snappy movements and eye darting around the place. Like a pressure pot he couldn't hold it in after a while, unable to focus on the text in front of him. With a sudden turn he faced Morgane then began approaching him with a slow and steady pace.

"How are we supposed to cooperate in a work place if you keep pushing me away!? You act like you can't stand to share air with me, when all I do is try to get to know you better! I mean, what was that yesterday?! Could you at least tell me what bothers you so much this time?!"

Morgane

His brows raised slightly, honestly surprised at his reaction, before they furrowed again. His tails retracted from whatever they were doing to get behind him, raising and puffing up.

"You..." He trailed off, his eyes darting to the unconscious director for a split second before focusing on him. Taking a step back as he wrapped his arms around himself. "... I... Don't like anyone being close to me physically... I have my reasons...

But, I'm not targeting you specifically if that's what it looks like."

He turned away from him with a huff, "... It's the last day of our collaboration. After today, you should be able to handle this project on your own without my assistance... There's no need to try cooperating further."

Morphine

"I can tell you're avoiding giving me full answers. I. asked. about. yesterday..." He continued getting closer. He spoke slowly through gritted teeth. The tone of his voice sounded heavily restrained, the kind that traps you in anticipation. Even though he appeared threatening there was deep underlying sadness behind it, just like after their last fight. "Tell me how you're not targeting me specifically when it feels so damn personal. Don't lie to me. You have z e r o issue with him (pointing at Director) staying close to you."

The fact Morgane wouldn't even turn to him further fuelled his irritation. He then deliberately went around fox's desk to face him again.

"There's no need to try cooperating further...Tssk!,,, I don't know if you noticed but we are both trapped in here! HahaHAHaha... SURE! Fact, it's a huge place and you can isolate all you want~ until you can't because It's somebody's birthday~ or there is a FEN raid, or containment breach or somebody is dying and needs both of us…

He took a pause and a deep breath to cool off.

"You said I deserve a chance... Was that just words?" With both hands propped he leaned over at the other side of his desk.

Morgane

"Yesterday..."

He mumbled the word out softly.

"I find them all very pretty..."

His face flushed heavily as that suppressed memory instantly came back, unable to stop himself from recalling it now with the alien confronting him about it. Flustered, his tails drew in closer around himself, not wanting to be perceived but... Not knowing how to explain himself.

"I'm... Not lying. I don't. I'm not targeting you. I. You. Him-" His words couldn't keep up with his rapid thoughts. And those thoughts were becoming difficult to keep track of with the alien forcing himself to be in his view.

It was instinctual when he took a step back to distance himself from him, but right now he might take it the wrong way. "It's not like that. I... It's not zero, he's just... It's not as likely he'll... Be hurt around me." It was a struggle to say that. Saying admitting he's dangerous. Not like this. Something out of his control.

His eyes couldn't meet with his. He didn't realize how much he was shrinking back under his gaze. "... I don't isolate myself by choice... I can't be around humans..."

How was he supposed to explain any of this?

His tails were wrapped around himself, his expression clearly distressed as he eventually replied with a quiet and resigned, "No... It wasn't."

Morphine

With every sentence he became more and more visibly confused, his head tilting instinctively.

He's so scared...

Seeing him get so small in front of him and stumbling on his words filled the alien with twisted satisfaction. In his mind this look suited Morgane much better. He had to quickly suppress these thoughts or else he'd push it much further...

He straightened his back and rubbed his chin trying to piece all of this together.

"Hurt around you?... you already hurt me plenty, I don't understand, hurt me how exactly? You can't be around humans... I'm not human.... However Jack is, so is the Director's host... this doesn't make any sense. Explain."

Even though his words were demanding, his tone was soft, he appeared calmer, pleased with the progress of this conversation.

Morgane

It was difficult to get the words out. Why was he even telling him this? He glanced at the director and then slightly to the alien before closing his eyes, sighing out a held breath, "You. Those time are different... I... If... I'm not careful. If I don't take enough precaution, I hurt- I could kill... Those around me. Unintentionally. Especially if I'm... Unaware how close- Nearby someone might be. With me."

He doesn't want to say it. He doesn't need to know that much. How little control he actually has over his body. How he can't feel anything.

"Yes you're not human. Jack is... Director's host... You could say this facility has gathered.... Quite a few unique individuals... It's allowed them to be exceptions." He doesn't believe in curses so... "You could say like how dogs can pick up sounds imperceptible to humans but it's distressing to them. Humans... Around me... Will have an uncontrollable bodily impulse be flooded with adrenaline and seemingly lose access to their frontal cortex. Like some dormant survival instinct in their genes becomes activated."

It's rare he's had to explain this. But explaining it like this. It was almost embarrassing somehow. Other than cursing a human, he couldn't exactly show any feasible evidence.

"I'm not trying to lie to you... It's difficult to explain... I don't talk about this... To anyone really." He subconsciously took another step back, "It's ridiculous I know."

Morphine

He wanted... no... He NEEDED to know more. He's finally sharing some information about himself, Morphine could not let that opportunity slip. "Kill them unintentionally? How? You don't seem like someone clumsy or unaware of their surroundings, in fact you are hyper aware from my observation."

He then headed towards an opening between the stations to reach the spot by Morgane's computer. It was hard for him to wrap his head around the effect he had on humans, was it similar to how he himself affected those around him? A scent or sound he could not detect? Thinking that he wished he took his helmet with him.

"Sounds like a lonely life here on earth...

well,

at least you had other animals to keep you company before you were captured, right?"

He pulled another chair and sat in front of him blocking his exit.

Morgane

His eyes darted to the blocked path, again he keeps getting closer and getting in his way. Does he have to know?

Does he want him to know?

"Like I said it's... Hard for me to explain... But I never meant to seem like I was personally targeting you." He paused and added on, "Well... Maybe a bit before this week... But not since then."

He gritted his teeth. The frustration getting to him slowly. He felt... Vulnerable. Judged.

"I... Have to be." (Hyper aware) His expression shifted to a downcast smile as he started fiddling with his hands. Perhaps to demonstrate what he couldn't bring himself to say through words... Through the motions, there was something... Quite wrong about it. Creaking sounds could be heard from his palms as he squeezed them together. Like there was too much force than there should be. Pressing against each other too tightly than they could handle. Yet, his expression didn't change the slightest even as his hands started cracking loudly. Bones could be seen shifting unnaturally under his skin as something audibly broke and twisted under his flesh. His left hand becoming a mangled mess and still he seemed utterly serene. Unaffected and unaware even as he stared at the damage he had done to himself.

He then went on to calmly press and push the bones back in their proper places. Like a jigsaw puzzle he had done repeatedly too often; fixing his hand. As he forced a finger back into place he answered his other question, "No... You could say I'm very unwelcome here by most... Except for the arthropods but that may be due to their lack of awareness."

Morphine

"I think you're doing very well..." (explaining) Seeing him fiddle with his hands so violently filled the gaps in the information for him. He doesn't control how much force he applies if unaware of contact or collision because he can't feel anything... That plus the density and weight of his body that seemed to shift... so obvious...

That means as long as he sees, hears or smells him he is relatively safe.

He pulled himself closer to the fox, slowly not to startle him any further, then reached out and cupped his hands gently, like a caretaker trying to comfort their patient.

"I could try to help you... There is much more where these machines come from. ...There is a lot more fruit too~" His smile turned genuine and his colours reverted back to the pale green with a tint of purple here and there.

"...You are always very welcome in my lab"

Morgane

He didn't feel it but seeing it, his hands approaching and touching him had him wince a little. Fight against the cultivated instinct to pull back. The alien's offer and his expression... His emotions were so mixed. Logically and expectantly he thought his own mind would come up with reasons to turn him down immediately. But he found that wasn't quite the case which... Confused him. ...Did he want this?

Was he that starved for companionship? It was... Worrying. He felt like a stranger in his own body when moments like this happened.

His ears flattened as he spoke, tiredly, "True, you have some fairly advanced technology... But don't be disappointed should you be unable to do anything. I've already been trying by myself for centuries..."

His lab... He should have turned him down. The machines and fruit did make him curious but it should not be enough to truly pull his interest to really consider his offer. His gaze lifted to glance at the alien, the colors and patterns on his skin shifting in hue and shapes here and there. It... Was mesmerizing to watch but he couldn't bring himself to really stare at him too long as he looked away to focus on their touching hands instead. Strange.

Morphine

"My dear, disappointments are just a part of the process of elimination, results to learn from, tools of success~"

He understood that centuries were just a figure of speech but he couldn't stop himself from commenting on it. "Centuries... haha... You're damaged but surely young from the looks of it. There is no reason to feel this disheartened when a solution could be right behind the corner!"

This speech sounded particularly personal, like he spoke from experience... or rather like something he would repeat to himself every day in hopes of finding a cure for his own sickness…

"You'll find that I'm very stubborn."

He had to be...

"We could schedule for the same time, 2 days after the party, the procedure is non-invasive and mostly consists of a series of full and partial body scans. They should narrow down the cause, if not I will conduct further studies with your consent" His body now mostly coloured purple with markings dancing freely on his face and hair signalled a growing excitement. He wanted to continue talking about all the possibilities, anticipating, imagining finally having him in his clutches... He paused to cool down mid sentence, then simply added.

"Give me a chance. Aren't you curious?"

Morgane

A wry smile this time. He couldn't help it. This young man- Well... Extraterrestrial? What a youthful response. He doesn't quite mean naive, no it's rather... Refreshing. Comparatively to himself, who's wanting to give up... This one seems quite optimistic. Obviously he doesn't believe him about how much time he's put in to research a way to fix his body with that comment about how he appears young. He doesn't blame him for that and doesn't see a point in correcting him either.

His tails slowly loosened from being wrapped around himself throughout their conversation. This wariness he's had for him. Unlike all the previous instances he seemed... Approachable. He looked from his excited face to their hands still held in the alien's. Half considering to pull away. Finding himself not doing so was... Even more odd.

That phrase as well...

"Give me a chance. Aren't you curious?"

How... Ironic. After so many years and still what a fool he is, isn't he.

"... Just one." He breathed out the words softly, a small smile on his lips as he looked up at him, "Unfortunately I'm... Quite curious."

Morphine

"Then it's decided!" He concluded with a clap of his hands. He was overjoyed. The edges of his markings burned unnaturally bright purple, hints of pink followed after. Not that Morgane knew what it meant, however upon noticing it in the reflection he focused on suppressing it. Unfortunately for Morgane he was curious too. Deadly curious.

His obsession with knowledge had no hard stops. He did not fear authority, he questioned it his entire life. He did not believe in any god therefore did not worry about divine judgement. He didn't have much to lose except his own life which was at stake everyday should the relapse occur. In other words Morgane entered a dance with a highly unstable and dangerous entity.

He noticed Morgane's gentle smile, a rare expression. He felt the urge to cup his face, have his head rest on his lap, pet his head. If voiced or performed Morgane would very likely find it insulting so for the time being it was just another daydream.

He would make such a pretty pet…

Morgane

It's not as though he hadn't noticed his markings shift depending on his mood. At the edge of his periphery he saw him quickly shifting colors to his "default" when the alien noticed his reflection. He always appeared to wear a smile but he seemed quite happy at his acceptance... He glanced at his hands. He did feel him before but this time nothing happened. Curious.

Before he could think more on it, that fight and... Everything else... He shut it down. It's... Disgusting. He's obviously unaware so he shouldn't be having such thoughts and for once their conversation was... Nice. Surprisingly confrontational but even a happy go lucky alien has their limits it seems.

He sighed. He wasn't expecting much of anything with this examination by him. Maybe a new fruit salad dish. He says he wants to get to know him but... Clearly he wants to study and examine him more. He quietly laughed to himself. There's no harm really in his curiosity he supposes. It... Should be interesting.

There didn't seem to be more that needed to be said for now... He's glad it's over but... It wasn't too bad. And so he turned his attention back to the director, sleeping away peacefully. Hopefully he's dreaming of something nice.

–Time skip–

Director

REM sleep came, the director occasionally twitching, sleeping deeply. The conversation went fully unnoticed even by the parasite.

A finger twitch. His hand in his view in a very very dark hallway. Red light occasionally fading in and out. No sound, the sweet and sting of ammonia.

Familiar. He stepped through the halls, the floor clicking and occasionally rubble. Carpets and wallpaper of himself strewn throughout.

He waved to a bulge on the ground, talking to it, his own words sounding like nonsense.

This repeated, the director walking and talking to corpses. In hallways. Rooms. Chambers. Sometimes they did move or walked with him.

Ignoring the falling parts. He would fix it back up. Mycelium is doing its best to glue it all together.

But there was one corpse that just…wouldn’t stay together. His hands filled with rot as he tried again to place it onto the infected bones. He tried agin…and again. Please…

He woke up with a yell. Shooting up straight. His horns stood sharp and straight. A panic as he tried to regain what was happening .

Morphine

He stood up immediately as Morgane ran past him the moment the Director woke up. Alarmed, he rushed after him, then subconsciously put his hand over Morgane's back, acting as if he was already in his care... They stood above the Director together assessing the situation.

Must have been a nightmare... and hopefully nothing else. He let his coworker take the lead in asking questions again.

Morgane

Again he was too close, disregarding his warning... But he'll just have to be extra careful around him.

For now he had to focus on the director, looking him over and checking the machines... As he did so he tried to ground him and calm him down, "You're alright. You took sleep medication to test if the blockers worked effectively and so you were asleep for about 5 hours. This is the lab with Morphine and I. You're safe. You just entered REM sleep for the first time in a while... It seems you had a nightmare however..."

He placed a blanket over his shoulders. While he had inquiries to ask about his status. He wanted to make sure he was stable. A powerful psychic having a mental breakdown was too dangerous of a possibility. It's not likely, considering his immense self control and kind nature... But, he couldn't help offering some comfort. It's not really often he's appeared this distressed.

Director

The charts were going off, which began to teeter to calm. The previous darkness filled with stars and lights. Morgane's words blurred into existence.

Eyes stared at morgane then slowly to morphine. A blink, before a breath as he raised a hand to his face. The tension all around instantly melted. Safe. Right he was safe. Everything was okay. He felt like he hadnt been breathing.

He rubbed his face, he didnt feel well rested. His other hand pulled on the blanket a little.

[it's so hard to tell what's real or not with dreams.] he sighed. His hand lifting off his face. Then looked at them both as if double checking this wasn’t part of the dream.

Morphine

He moved aside, giving Morgane more space getting closer towards the Director instead, offering some comfort by patting and rubbing down his back.

"It is, isn't it!" He smiled warmly then added. "But waking up brings such a relief. Welcome back Director."

He exchanged some words with Morgane discussing the results, everything seemed normal, correct for a human experiencing nightmares at least.

"Perhaps light psychotropic drugs could yield more positive results and improve your sleep, help you rest better. However, given everything else I'd call it a success!"

Morgane

"That's if you'd prefer keeping the ability to dream long term." He added in as well at the mention of the drugs. "But yes. It seems to be a success." He breathed a light sigh of relief and then proceeded to do his check up over the director. See if the blockers did anything physically noticeable to him from his bodily reactions to blood tests. Asking a series of simple questions testing his long and short term memory among others. They seemed fine.

"Other than what it's supposed to do. You seem to be yourself. Do you feel anything noticeably different however?" He asked as he looked over the data.

Director

[just a little anxious and a little tired. But other than that I think I’m fine, everything seems to be in order. Thank you both. This definitely eases my mind on potential adaptations.] he seemed to perk, his horns finally fell to relax fully.

[I think over time if i do feel anything that might be off i’ll make sure to report it right away]

After being checked he'd slowly get up stretching.

Morphine

"Please do, the formula allows us to adjust it prophylactically. You will stay under our close observation until we're sure they all work correctly, though I'm confident everything should work just fine given these results." He gave him a comforting smile, then turned towards Morgane.

"I believe we could wrap it up for today."

Morgane

He nodded. Cleaning up his station and putting away the equipment. Quickly inputting more data logs and updating the records before turning off the computers. "Please contact either of us if new symptoms surface. Until then, I'll be updating our scheduled check ups for the blockers."

As he finished putting away and grabbing his things, heading out, he paused a moment at the door. "... That lunch is best paired with yerba mate."

And then he left.

Director

[good job gentlemen] he congratulated them. Letting them be dismissed with that. He nodded to both doctors' wishes for any reports and what would be moving forward.

Then he saw the strangest thing next to the lunch given to morphine was the idea/concept of best use of the said lunch. And with that morgane was gone. He looked up to morphine, an observation of his own. He felt like a comment on it would ruin anything. So he kept quiet, his gaze falling off him. Welcome back. Yes he was back. The dream almost a distant memory now. [I’ll take my leave, enjoy your lunch.] he gave a small wave and would head on out himself. He had a little bit of planning to do to celebrate.

Morphine

"ohh..." His ears fluttered. Such attention to his preferences. Morgane's effort to please him ran deeper than he would ever dare to imagine. At least that was the message he got from it. He smiled to himself, lost in thoughts, again. The collaboration had its ups and downs but ultimately that too went better than expected. He found out about his coworker's insecurities and weaknesses, new ways to exploit him and his kindness. He proved to be quite a softy under that aggressive and stoic demeanor.

"Ah... see you later Director! Remember to drink a lot of water and take it easy today! If you feel like sleeping more, do not fight it." He waved one of his tentacles already holding the lunch and freshly brewed mate in the others.

He sat down alone in the lab for a while, sighing wistfully, reminiscing on the past week and enjoying the meal unlike the way he'd usually eat - with little to no regard for what it is and how it tastes. Mostly surviving on lab waste and scraps. When he was given new food however he would always study it, savour it in particular order, make it into a ritual. A special treat. Something more than just fuel - a discovery.

He liked the textures, the flavour and how well it matched his drink indeed. But what he loved was the fact Morgane made it with his own hands. In his mind he romanticised the whole process, imagining him cooking, his precision, his clear goal to impress him. It tickled his ego so well and couldn't wait for more...

After finishing the meal he cleaned up, organized and packed the rest of his belongings they will no longer need in the shared lab, then quickly headed out, excited to properly test out the helmet as soon as possible.

Morgane

That... Wasn't so bad. It was over but at the same time he supposes it wasn't... He doesn't know if that's a good or a bad thing.

"We could schedule for the same time, 2 days after the party..."

As he walks down the corridor he contemplates over today in the lab. Their last conversation. Well, this whole week was... Something.

"You act like you can't stand to share air with me, when all I do is try to get to know you better!""

"...You are always very welcome in my lab"

"Give me a chance. Aren't you curious?"

How strange he is.

Math and science are easy. It's all very straightforward. People… That alien. He's become very out of touch. The ability to understand humans and sympathize with them. Socializing and mediating with them was what he was originally made for. But now, as he is, he's at quite a loss. A skill he hasn't been able to use for a while and it doesn't help that they're an alien. A whole new race with their own history, customs, language... The only hint he could get that he may be excited at their interaction again was he wasn't against it. He was wondering, he was curious.

He glanced at his hand, thinking back to how it was held in Morphine's. His hands were so much larger than his. Mismatched. Not just in material but the number of fingers. He couldn't feel him but he saw how gently they held his...

He blinked and brushed the thought from his mind, startled with where it seemed to be going. They've had a rough start but... He's his coworker. He may be an ex-god but he hasn't fallen from grace to that extent...

He has to admit that the alien does intrigue him and has resolutely caught his interest now despite how wary he was of him at first... So, he supposes he'll see where this goes... Afterall, he's got all the time in the world.

THE END

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