Employee 597

Product name: [REDACTED]

Product number in the office database: none.

Other database where the product requested might be found: 234's office.

Reasons why the product should be added to the database: -

Quantity of product required: one pack.

Reason why this product is requested: personal use.

Is the product you are requesting alive: no.

Period of time during which the product will be present in the office (in seconds) : specifically seven hours and 35 minutes.

Days of the week during which the product will be used: Wednesday.

Is the product you are requesting printer ink: no.

Location where you need your product to be delivered: 3rd floor, main hallway, just between 305-306's office.

Thoughts on eternity: do you hear the bells toll?

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

the signiture is crossed out just enough times to cover the number.

597 sits back at its computer. It's been a while since it has taken the time to actually check the product requests. A few have been pilling up lately, something about cane tips, another one that it isn't ready to consider yet and a more recent one. A tarot deck, it manages to decipher. In 234's office. This cannot be a coincidence. 234's office. Amadeo's office. It doesn't remember ever creating a tarot deck, but it cannot be sure. It doesn't remember creating any tarot deck, but it doesn't remember creating most of the things in the office so it's probably normal.

Still, it hesitates. The employee number cannot be read, and it usually would be enough to reject any request, but this one seems uncanny. Someone had to know about it going to Amadeo's office. It probably should ignore it, should stay in its office, but a request is a request an whoever knows might want to try to hurt them. It glances at the couch, where Amadeo has fallen asleep. It won't take long, and, if things go well, they won't even realise it is gone. It considers for a moment waking then up, asking them about the tarot game, but they need to rest, both them and the baby. It wouldn't be safe to wake them up. The precise time questions it as well. It is usually not one to complain about precise information, but here, it can't help but getting more suspiscious.

It goes to one of the other rooms, grab a few items, enough to freeze anyone in time long enough to escape. It can make them itself, it knows that, but it feels safer to not have to rely on it. It stops for a few seconds in front of Amadeo, making a blanket appear out of thin hair and laying it on the centipede, kissing their forhead gently. It won't take long. It leaves the offices, locking it behind it, and adding several extra layers of protection. No one will be able to get in. Or out for that matters. Not that it does, no one is inside its office except Amadeo but it can never be too careful.

234's office is as they left it a few hours ago, unlocked, with a few empty bottles of alcohol sitting everywhere. It doesn't take it long to find the tarot's deck, left on one of the drawers in the desk. It opens it, unsure of exactly why. Maybe the curiosity, it has been a while since the last time it learnt about it or even tried to interpret some of it. Another of its interests that it had lost before being able to spend enough time on it. It quickly glances at the first card on top of the pack. Death. Of course it had to be. Nothing in this office is ever a good sign. Rebirth and change. Despite itself it shivers. It's likely just a coincidence. One way or another, things rarely end up well.

Before the supplies manager could do or ask anything, the person steps out from the shadows. Tan skin, short brownish hair. They look almost like— you know. Amadeo. Just not quite. Younger, more energetic. Curious.

With a bright smile, 234 approaches 597.

I'm guessing you're the supplies manager, yes? I'm rather suprised my order came this soon, truely, I am!

They stopped infront of 597, just a feet or two away.

Hello there. Yes, I am the supplies manager, and you are...?

It hesitates for a second. It isn't going to give a complete stranger something it took in Amadeo's office (well not technically Amadeo's one) without having a really good reason.

Ah, I guess you really forgot. My name is Rose, I'm employee 234. I deal with the pencils.

They listen to the supplies manager speak- more like complain- about how they "didn't complete the form properly." That annoyed them, truely. It was their property! 234 knew that the form was incomplete, remembering not writing their employee number, going over their signature... but all of that was for a reason! 597 thinks Amadeo is 234, so having their number there would cause confusions and questions left to answer.

234 was already preparing themselves for those questions. They had a guess on what it would ask. "Why are there two 234s?", "Which one id the real one?" And to those they had answers. Regardless,

Yes, I am aware. Well then, let's get to that, yes? Don't want the boss to get pissed because one request didn't have proper informations and was still given to that employee.

They spoke, almost sarcastically, mocking 597. But still, they hoped the manager wouldn't pick up on their sarcasm.

234 turned around, starting to walk over to one of the couches. Once sat down, they patted the seat beside them.

I suppose we can have a bit of a chat.

It probably shouldn't. But it doesn't have many other options. It can't give them the cards without an explanation, and despite it all, it is still curious about what is happening here. Curiosity will be its doom one day it knows it - after all it already has. The headaches haven't fully stopped in days, although they have gotten more manageable than they were at first.

What do you want exactly?

After all if they are 234, why couldn't they directly take the cards in the office? Something here doesn't make sense. It doesn't give them the time to reply before asking another question, a bit more precise, hoping the discussion isn't going to take too long.

You don't look exactly like employee 234 as I remember them, did you change something by the way? New haircut or something?

Rose seems very upset with 597 asking things but not being willing to let them reply to any of it. They wait until it finishes asking things, waiting for a few more seconds to make sure it won't be asking any more before answering.

Firstestly, I want the cards. It's what i requested in the form i sent you. Secondestly, I've always looked like this, didn't I? You don't remember?

They asked back, seemingly concered. With a sad sigh, they shook their head.

I guess you are confusing me with that antenna boy?

Rose asked casually. Too casually.

I haven't met you much though have I?

It doesn't remember meet them more than once, but it cannot fully trust its memory on that.

Not that it matters. You want those cards right? To who do they belong to? Amadeo or you?

There is no need to pretend it doesn't know about Amadeo, it would be an obvious lie.

The cards, they're mine. They belong to me, it was in my office, I couldn't reach it.

Pushing themselves up from the couch, they interlocked their hands and put an off-putting smile on their face.

And, you know, me and Amadeo... we're not quite fond of one another.

Rose let out a sigh and approached the supplies manager.

You see, they took some things from me. My status, my title. My lover. So don't blame a girl for trying to take back what is hers.

...

First, the cards. It reaches its left pocket - the one in which the cards aren't - and bring a packet out of it. It's not Rose's one, but it looks exactly the same. The first card is still the Death's one, it has made sure of that when creating it, in case Rose would have memorised that. Then, comes the Sun's one, immediately followed by the Stars one. Amadeo. It isn't going to let anything happen to them, not like that. And especially not by someone like Rose. It has to keep them safe. After both of these, comes the Moon's card. It isn't sure how intentionally it has put that one there, but here it is now, it is sure of it. As it hands the cards to Rose, it reaches in its other pocket, grabbing something else and throwing them at the other employee. Before Rose has the time to react they are completely frozen, unable to move. Good. This should buy them time. 15 minutes exactly, 15 minutes of them frozen in time if there isn't any other issues. It leaves the cards in their hand, and turns around.

Behind them there is a door that wasn't there before. It smiles, its smile twisted with anger and fear as something happens on top of Rose, ready to reach them as soon as they'll be able to move again.

Goodbye Ŗ̸͙̲̠̻̇̔͆̈́͋o̶̤͙̲̜̪̱͕̜͑̈́̓͑̏͝s̵̡͓̫̰͒̃͜e̸͍̱͕͒̃̀ͅ

Product name: [REDACTED]

Product number in the office database: none.

Other database where the product requested might be found: 234's office.

Reasons why the product should be added to the database: -

Quantity of product required: one pack.

Reason why this product is requested: personal use.

Is the product you are requesting alive: no.

Period of time during which the product will be present in the office (in seconds) : specifically seven hours and 35 minutes.

Days of the week during which the product will be used: Wednesday.

Is the product you are requesting printer ink: no.

Location where you need your product to be delivered: 3rd floor, main hallway, just between 305-306's office.

Thoughts on eternity: do you hear the bells toll?

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

the signiture is crossed out just enough times to cover the number.

597 sits back at its computer. It's been a while since it has taken the time to actually check the product requests. A few have been pilling up lately, something about cane tips, another one that it isn't ready to consider yet and a more recent one. A tarot deck, it manages to decipher. In 234's office. This cannot be a coincidence. 234's office. Amadeo's office. It doesn't remember ever creating a tarot deck, but it cannot be sure. It doesn't remember creating any tarot deck, but it doesn't remember creating most of the things in the office so it's probably normal.

Still, it hesitates. The employee number cannot be read, and it usually would be enough to reject any request, but this one seems uncanny. Someone had to know about it going to Amadeo's office. It probably should ignore it, should stay in its office, but a request is a request an whoever knows might want to try to hurt them. It glances at the couch, where Amadeo has fallen asleep. It won't take long, and, if things go well, they won't even realise it is gone. It considers for a moment waking then up, asking them about the tarot game, but they need to rest, both them and the baby. It wouldn't be safe to wake them up. The precise time questions it as well. It is usually not one to complain about precise information, but here, it can't help but getting more suspiscious.

It goes to one of the other rooms, grab a few items, enough to freeze anyone in time long enough to escape. It can make them itself, it knows that, but it feels safer to not have to rely on it. It stops for a few seconds in front of Amadeo, making a blanket appear out of thin hair and laying it on the centipede, kissing their forhead gently. It won't take long. It leaves the offices, locking it behind it, and adding several extra layers of protection. No one will be able to get in. Or out for that matters. Not that it does, no one is inside its office except Amadeo but it can never be too careful.

234's office is as they left it a few hours ago, unlocked, with a few empty bottles of alcohol sitting everywhere. It doesn't take it long to find the tarot's deck, left on one of the drawers in the desk. It opens it, unsure of exactly why. Maybe the curiosity, it has been a while since the last time it learnt about it or even tried to interpret some of it. Another of its interests that it had lost before being able to spend enough time on it. It quickly glances at the first card on top of the pack. Death. Of course it had to be. Nothing in this office is ever a good sign. Rebirth and change. Despite itself it shivers. It's likely just a coincidence. One way or another, things rarely end up well.

Before the supplies manager could do or ask anything, the person steps out from the shadows. Tan skin, short brownish hair. They look almost like— you know. Amadeo. Just not quite. Younger, more energetic. Curious.

With a bright smile, 234 approaches 597.

I'm guessing you're the supplies manager, yes? I'm rather suprised my order came this soon, truely, I am!

They stopped infront of 597, just a feet or two away.

Hello there. Yes, I am the supplies manager, and you are...?

It hesitates for a second. It isn't going to give a complete stranger something it took in Amadeo's office (well not technically Amadeo's one) without having a really good reason.

Ah, I guess you really forgot. My name is Rose, I'm employee 234. I deal with the pencils.

They listen to the supplies manager speak- more like complain- about how they "didn't complete the form properly." That annoyed them, truely. It was their property! 234 knew that the form was incomplete, remembering not writing their employee number, going over their signature... but all of that was for a reason! 597 thinks Amadeo is 234, so having their number there would cause confusions and questions left to answer.

234 was already preparing themselves for those questions. They had a guess on what it would ask. "Why are there two 234s?", "Which one id the real one?" And to those they had answers. Regardless,

Yes, I am aware. Well then, let's get to that, yes? Don't want the boss to get pissed because one request didn't have proper informations and was still given to that employee.

They spoke, almost sarcastically, mocking 597. But still, they hoped the manager wouldn't pick up on their sarcasm.

234 turned around, starting to walk over to one of the couches. Once sat down, they patted the seat beside them.

I suppose we can have a bit of a chat.

It probably shouldn't. But it doesn't have many other options. It can't give them the cards without an explanation, and despite it all, it is still curious about what is happening here. Curiosity will be its doom one day it knows it - after all it already has. The headaches haven't fully stopped in days, although they have gotten more manageable than they were at first.

What do you want exactly?

After all if they are 234, why couldn't they directly take the cards in the office? Something here doesn't make sense. It doesn't give them the time to reply before asking another question, a bit more precise, hoping the discussion isn't going to take too long.

You don't look exactly like employee 234 as I remember them, did you change something by the way? New haircut or something?

Rose seems very upset with 597 asking things but not being willing to let them reply to any of it. They wait until it finishes asking things, waiting for a few more seconds to make sure it won't be asking any more before answering.

Firstestly, I want the cards. It's what i requested in the form i sent you. Secondestly, I've always looked like this, didn't I? You don't remember?

They asked back, seemingly concered. With a sad sigh, they shook their head.

I guess you are confusing me with that antenna boy?

Rose asked casually. Too casually.

I haven't met you much though have I?

It doesn't remember meet them more than once, but it cannot fully trust its memory on that.

Not that it matters. You want those cards right? To who do they belong to? Amadeo or you?

There is no need to pretend it doesn't know about Amadeo, it would be an obvious lie.

Product name: [REDACTED]

Product number in the office database: none.

Other database where the product requested might be found: 234's office.

Reasons why the product should be added to the database: -

Quantity of product required: one pack.

Reason why this product is requested: personal use.

Is the product you are requesting alive: no.

Period of time during which the product will be present in the office (in seconds) : specifically seven hours and 35 minutes.

Days of the week during which the product will be used: Wednesday.

Is the product you are requesting printer ink: no.

Location where you need your product to be delivered: 3rd floor, main hallway, just between 305-306's office.

Thoughts on eternity: do you hear the bells toll?

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

the signiture is crossed out just enough times to cover the number.

597 sits back at its computer. It's been a while since it has taken the time to actually check the product requests. A few have been pilling up lately, something about cane tips, another one that it isn't ready to consider yet and a more recent one. A tarot deck, it manages to decipher. In 234's office. This cannot be a coincidence. 234's office. Amadeo's office. It doesn't remember ever creating a tarot deck, but it cannot be sure. It doesn't remember creating any tarot deck, but it doesn't remember creating most of the things in the office so it's probably normal.

Still, it hesitates. The employee number cannot be read, and it usually would be enough to reject any request, but this one seems uncanny. Someone had to know about it going to Amadeo's office. It probably should ignore it, should stay in its office, but a request is a request an whoever knows might want to try to hurt them. It glances at the couch, where Amadeo has fallen asleep. It won't take long, and, if things go well, they won't even realise it is gone. It considers for a moment waking then up, asking them about the tarot game, but they need to rest, both them and the baby. It wouldn't be safe to wake them up. The precise time questions it as well. It is usually not one to complain about precise information, but here, it can't help but getting more suspiscious.

It goes to one of the other rooms, grab a few items, enough to freeze anyone in time long enough to escape. It can make them itself, it knows that, but it feels safer to not have to rely on it. It stops for a few seconds in front of Amadeo, making a blanket appear out of thin hair and laying it on the centipede, kissing their forhead gently. It won't take long. It leaves the offices, locking it behind it, and adding several extra layers of protection. No one will be able to get in. Or out for that matters. Not that it does, no one is inside its office except Amadeo but it can never be too careful.

234's office is as they left it a few hours ago, unlocked, with a few empty bottles of alcohol sitting everywhere. It doesn't take it long to find the tarot's deck, left on one of the drawers in the desk. It opens it, unsure of exactly why. Maybe the curiosity, it has been a while since the last time it learnt about it or even tried to interpret some of it. Another of its interests that it had lost before being able to spend enough time on it. It quickly glances at the first card on top of the pack. Death. Of course it had to be. Nothing in this office is ever a good sign. Rebirth and change. Despite itself it shivers. It's likely just a coincidence. One way or another, things rarely end up well.

Before the supplies manager could do or ask anything, the person steps out from the shadows. Tan skin, short brownish hair. They look almost like— you know. Amadeo. Just not quite. Younger, more energetic. Curious.

With a bright smile, 234 approaches 597.

I'm guessing you're the supplies manager, yes? I'm rather suprised my order came this soon, truely, I am!

They stopped infront of 597, just a feet or two away.

Hello there. Yes, I am the supplies manager, and you are...?

It hesitates for a second. It isn't going to give a complete stranger something it took in Amadeo's office (well not technically Amadeo's one) without having a really good reason.

Ah, I guess you really forgot. My name is Rose, I'm employee 234. I deal with the pencils.

They listen to the supplies manager speak- more like complain- about how they "didn't complete the form properly." That annoyed them, truely. It was their property! 234 knew that the form was incomplete, remembering not writing their employee number, going over their signature... but all of that was for a reason! 597 thinks Amadeo is 234, so having their number there would cause confusions and questions left to answer.

234 was already preparing themselves for those questions. They had a guess on what it would ask. "Why are there two 234s?", "Which one id the real one?" And to those they had answers. Regardless,

Yes, I am aware. Well then, let's get to that, yes? Don't want the boss to get pissed because one request didn't have proper informations and was still given to that employee.

They spoke, almost sarcastically, mocking 597. But still, they hoped the manager wouldn't pick up on their sarcasm.

234 turned around, starting to walk over to one of the couches. Once sat down, they patted the seat beside them.

I suppose we can have a bit of a chat.

It probably shouldn't. But it doesn't have many other options. It can't give them the cards without an explanation, and despite it all, it is still curious about what is happening here. Curiosity will be its doom one day it knows it - after all it already has. The headaches haven't fully stopped in days, although they have gotten more manageable than they were at first.

What do you want exactly?

After all if they are 234, why couldn't they directly take the cards in the office? Something here doesn't make sense. It doesn't give them the time to reply before asking another question, a bit more precise, hoping the discussion isn't going to take too long.

You don't look exactly like employee 234 as I remember them, did you change something by the way? New haircut or something?

Product name: [REDACTED]

Product number in the office database: none.

Other database where the product requested might be found: 234's office.

Reasons why the product should be added to the database: -

Quantity of product required: one pack.

Reason why this product is requested: personal use.

Is the product you are requesting alive: no.

Period of time during which the product will be present in the office (in seconds) : specifically seven hours and 35 minutes.

Days of the week during which the product will be used: Wednesday.

Is the product you are requesting printer ink: no.

Location where you need your product to be delivered: 3rd floor, main hallway, just between 305-306's office.

Thoughts on eternity: do you hear the bells toll?

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

Quantity of product required: 1

the signiture is crossed out just enough times to cover the number.

597 sits back at its computer. It's been a while since it has taken the time to actually check the product requests. A few have been pilling up lately, something about cane tips, another one that it isn't ready to consider yet and a more recent one. A tarot deck, it manages to decipher. In 234's office. This cannot be a coincidence. 234's office. Amadeo's office. It doesn't remember ever creating a tarot deck, but it cannot be sure. It doesn't remember creating any tarot deck, but it doesn't remember creating most of the things in the office so it's probably normal.

Still, it hesitates. The employee number cannot be read, and it usually would be enough to reject any request, but this one seems uncanny. Someone had to know about it going to Amadeo's office. It probably should ignore it, should stay in its office, but a request is a request an whoever knows might want to try to hurt them. It glances at the couch, where Amadeo has fallen asleep. It won't take long, and, if things go well, they won't even realise it is gone. It considers for a moment waking then up, asking them about the tarot game, but they need to rest, both them and the baby. It wouldn't be safe to wake them up. The precise time questions it as well. It is usually not one to complain about precise information, but here, it can't help but getting more suspiscious.

It goes to one of the other rooms, grab a few items, enough to freeze anyone in time long enough to escape. It can make them itself, it knows that, but it feels safer to not have to rely on it. It stops for a few seconds in front of Amadeo, making a blanket appear out of thin hair and laying it on the centipede, kissing their forhead gently. It won't take long. It leaves the offices, locking it behind it, and adding several extra layers of protection. No one will be able to get in. Or out for that matters. Not that it does, no one is inside its office except Amadeo but it can never be too careful.

234's office is as they left it a few hours ago, unlocked, with a few empty bottles of alcohol sitting everywhere. It doesn't take it long to find the tarot's deck, left on one of the drawers in the desk. It opens it, unsure of exactly why. Maybe the curiosity, it has been a while since the last time it learnt about it or even tried to interpret some of it. Another of its interests that it had lost before being able to spend enough time on it. It quickly glances at the first card on top of the pack. Death. Of course it had to be. Nothing in this office is ever a good sign. Rebirth and change. Despite itself it shivers. It's likely just a coincidence. One way or another, things rarely end up well.

Before the supplies manager could do or ask anything, the person steps out from the shadows. Tan skin, short brownish hair. They look almost like— you know. Amadeo. Just not quite. Younger, more energetic. Curious.

With a bright smile, 234 approaches 597.

I'm guessing you're the supplies manager, yes? I'm rather suprised my order came this soon, truely, I am!

They stopped infront of 597, just a feet or two away.

Hello there. Yes, I am the supplies manager, and you are...?

It hesitates for a second. It isn't going to give a complete stranger something it took in Amadeo's office (well not technically Amadeo's one) without having a really good reason.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

... You won't. You won't hurt me. Even if you... Do end up doing that...

They trailed off, their antennaes moving back a little.

... I would know you... Wouldn't mean to do that.

They went quiet before letting out a quiet sigh. They knew 597 wouldn't hurt them. Right? They looked back at the supplies manager, their expression soft.

They didn't say anything for another moment, and instead looked towards the newest bottle of whiskey that appeared. They reached out to take it, they themself drinking into it. Gods, they hoped they would get drunk soon so they could blame whatever was coming next on being drunk.

They handed 597 the alcohol back, pulling it closer to themself and resting their cheek on their head. Their antennae twiched for a moment before being lowered, having them hang low lazily again, lightly brushing against 597's hair.

597 thinks back about the previous time, how it spent so much time with the other, and in the dream, for only a few minutes to appear on the clock. It likely had done something, given them more time, so it does that again, accelerating the flow of time inside of this office compared to the one on the outside, so they can enjoy the moment for longer.

It smiles, and looks back at Amadeo.

So...can I go for it?

The other nods, and 597 takes a deep breath. It feels confident enough this time to do it somehow. Probably the alcohol speaking. Or Amadeo's comforting presence. Gently, it presses its hand on Amadeo's cheek, getting them closer. With a smile, it focus on what it is able to create, placing its other hand onto the centipede's stomach. It only takes a few seconds before they can feel something changing inside them. Their stomach is a bit more round that it was before as well, and 597 removes its hand carefully. Well, there it is. It looks at the other fascinated, unsure of what to do now. It is quite clear that it worked, that it has been able to create something new, something that is not going to be harmful for once. It stays still for a few seconds, slowly realising what happened. If it has been able to do that, then it is much more powerful than what it had thought before. It will have to be...careful. Really careful. It looks back at Amadeo, trying to ignore once more the urge to kiss them - it cannot have someone love it to be hurt later on, not again - before a thought strikes it.

Amadeo felt a blush creep it's way up their cheeks as they felt 597's hand on their cheek. They leaned against the touch, their eyes fixated on it. That was until they felt a hand on their stomach.

They looked down, their antennaes raising slightly as they watched what was happening. They leaned back a little to get a better view of it- and then, they felt something inside them shift. It was a weird feeling, and they didn't exactly enjoy it. Once 597 removed it's hand, they sat up properly, their attention still on their now slightly bulged out stomach. Amadeo raised a hand, gently placing it on their belly, feeling the stiffness of it. The bulge wasn't really visible, if they were to wear a bigger shirt they could easily hide it.

Amadeo raised their head up a little to look at 597, unable to keep themself back from smiling as they saw how satisfied the supplies manager looked. They understood what was happening, but they didn't exactly care at the moment, since their mind was still thinking about the alcohol.

Then, they heard 597 ask the question, which kind of snapped them out from thinking about the booze.

I mean... I guess? I don't know.

It suddently feels exhausted, which surprises it. It isn't really tired when it creates stuff, at least it hasn't earlier, and is not particularly tired in general when it still has to handle the supplies. Maybe that one was more complex, harder to do, maybe that's why it is more tired.

Thank you, they say softly.

It wants to ask more questions to Amadeo, about how they feel, but decides that it can wait.

I'm tired. I didn't think it would cost me that much energy to do that.

Amadeo removed the hand off their stomach and pulls 597 closer, letting their body press together. They buried their face into it's hair, nuzzling up to them. Gods, they wanted to do something so bad.

... It's okay, you sleep.

This time, its dream is largely different. It is somewhere, in the building, in an office, and its hair are fully white. It looks at them for a second. They look similar to the ones of Eclipse and it smiles. This is nice. It sits in front of the desk, doing its job, slightly confused on how it ended up there. This is not its office after all, so it is not sure it is allowed to be in there. But nothing happens. No one cares. It is alone.

When opening their eyes, the antivirus found themself in a place one couldn't recognize. They've been in countless dimensions, places, hideouts, lairs, even blind spots where the cameras or the eyes couldn't reached, even in the void! But for the first time in a while, they didn't recognize their sorroundings. How odd. Everything was dark around them. They could feel a freezing blow of air around them. The wet grass, as if it was after a raining session. They could smell the dew and fog, and could feel the water droplets on the grass stick to their feet and legs.

Amadeo raised their head up, staring at the sky. There were no stars, or a moon. Nothing to show the light or give a hint for where to go. Nothing to lead the way, to show which path will lead them to where ever they needed to go to. Moths did this. They searched for the moon, for the light it reflected, to guide them through the dark night. But even they confused simple lamps with the moon's glow. Theirs antennaes lowered in shame. Why were they expecting it? To have something to guide them, to tell them what was happening, or what they needed to do. It was depressing, almost. How unfortunate.

The centipede lowered their head back, looking around, searching for something to show them the way. They found nothing, as expected. They will have to start walking and find the path for themself, because who knows when the moon will return again? They'll just need to hope that they're going to the good direction. And so, they walked forward, alert, unaware of their sorroundings. But they needed to walk if they wanted something to happen. It won't just walk over to them— they'd need to find it.

They didn't know how long they've been walking for. Their legs were starting to hurt. They wanted to give up, but for some reason their legs were not stopping. This happened sometimes. When they themself wanted to stop, but their body could not. They knew if they stopped they won't find what it is they're searching for. They'll have to keep walking.

. . .

They came to a stop somewhere. They didn't know where, they couldn't see past their nose. What they could see was a bud. A small one, standing in the drass, almost glowing. Amadeo stared down at it, not knowing if this was what they were meant to find. So they approached, and knelt down infront of it. It seemed to move, as if trying to bloom.

They reached out as they watched the small bud starting to bloom, the glow around it seemingly growing stronger. But when they touched it's petal-

... It lost it's glow and withered away.

Amadeo quickly retrackted their hand, standing back up. They felt their heartbeat staring to speed up. Did they do something? Did they kill it? Why did it die? Was it their fault? They didn't know they could hurt it. They didn't wanted to hurt it. And yet, there it was, the flower what was starting to give them hope, dead by their hands.

They stepped back, their arms wrapping around their stomach protectively in reflex. Do they turn back? Do they walk away? Do they run? Was this their fault? What do they do now? These questions were eating Amadeo alive. Their antennaes moved lightly, as if trying to pick up a sound or a vibration, anything to guide them. They didn't hear or see anything. Just the sight of the dead flower infront of their feet.

They shook their head. This was just a dream. This had no meaning. Surely, this had no meaning. Amadeo's grip on their stomach tightened up. Right?

...

They didn't remember what happened after that. They just opened their eyes again and found themself back in the office, with 597 pressed against their body. They moved their head down to look at the supplies manager, their gaze softening up. Atleast they stayed. They hoped 597 had a good dream and they slept well.

They stay like that, hugging each other, resting close to another for quite some time, savoring the proximity. 597 cannot really say for how long. Minutes, hours? It doesn't matter anyway, they have all the time they want. Still, no matter how comfortable the position is, its limbs starts to hurt after a moment and it is forced to move away and to stretch a bit, being careful not to hurt Amadeo in the process. It looks at them, seeing them opening their eyes.

Hey. Did you sleep ok?

It sighs, remembering what happened just before they both fell asleep. Yeah maybe drinking so much was not the best idea.

They shook their head, snapping themself out of the thoughts. Hearing 597's voice helped them not focus on that for now.

I slept fine. Just... Had a weird dream.

... How did you sleep?

They asked, their voice soft. They wanted to know that, even if they themself didn't, atleast 597 slept well.

Then, it brought up what happened. Or atleast implied what happened. They really wanted to forget about that and blame the alcohol for not remembering it, but it seemed like they couldn't exactly do that now.

They hummed quietly, turning their head off to the side, suddently unable to look 597 in the eyes.

We probably should talk.

They went quiet, trying to think of what to say, or ask.

What... What even happened? I mean I know what happened, just...

... I just wasn't aware you could do that. It's not even that, but why did you do even do it? And I don't ask because it upsets me, after all I agreed to do it, I would just like to know what the reason behind it was.

Amadeo never raised their voice whilst speaking. They even sounded soft, genuinly wanting to know what the reasoning behind this whole- thing was.

Because I know you probably didn't do it because you wanted to, since we barely even know each other, and I know for sure I didn't ask for it in the first place.

... Most importantly, what now? What will happen after-

Yeah I did sleep well. It was...nice.

It listens to what Amadeo is saying, feeling a bit worried at the mention that they didn't ask it for sure. Maybe it had made a mistake by actually doing it. If it had made even it only one mistake while doing it, the consequences of it could be really bad, and it didn't want to risk hurting Amadeo. It tries to find an answer to their question, unsure of what the actual answer is. It isn't sure itself why it ended up doing it.

Well, there was this order that I received. It's almost the first one I got after I realised what I could do, so I was wondering if that was actually something I'd be able to do. What counts as a supplies, what are the limitation of...this.

It points at itself and then sighs.

I got curious. I always have the tendency to do so. To try to get answers whatever it may costs.

Its brain feels foggy when saying that. It cannot remember the actual cost can I? The price of the knowledge, forgetting about its Moon, and something else perhaps? It cannot tell, cannot be sure.

So I got curious once more. And I'm sorry for that. I probably shouldn't have, it was risky. And stupid. But also...

It blushes slightly, thinking about what it is going to say next.

I may not have met you often, but you are someone that I appreciate in this office. If I was going to try it out with someone, I'm glad it was with you. I don't know what that make us, but I'm happy that it's with you that I've tried it out.

It gently places its hand back onto Amadeo's stomach, making sure they are ok with it.

Honestly? I am not sure what happens now, nor how it will work. This is new. But I'll be there with you ok? It's my responsability as well, I won't leave you alone with...

They raised a hand to cover 597's, the one which laid neatly on their mid section. They were scared, yes. Hell, they were horrified. But then again...

Amadeo moved closer to 597, resting their head on it's shoulder, closing their eyes.

Thank you.

Opening their eyes, their voice came out as a quiet whisper, barely noticable.

Maybe things weren't as bad as they thought.

... Can... Can I go with you? To your office. I would like to stay near you, or atleast somewhere away from other people while in.... This state.

Amadeo glanced up at 597, gesturing down to themself when they said "this". They had no idea or energy to explain whatever was happening their co-workers, or why they looked so different, including their looks and... Well, that.

... I could make myself comfortable around there. Make myself a make-shift bed and just rest for a while. I don't know how this will turn out, but I can't risk anyone seeing me like this. If you get what I mean. And then again, I don't want to be left alone. I won't be bothering you, or talking as much, so, if you could let me stay there.... I would be grateful...

But still, they are right as well. They cannot be seen like that. This place isn't safe for them, wherever they'll stay. And if they are in its office, at the very least it would be there is something happens. It isn't sure it would help a lot, it cannot do much against the higher ups. But maybe it could give them enough time. For what it isn't sure.

It sighs. It shouldn't be doing that. It has always ended up hurting the people he loved hasn't it. But it's already too late now, it's already done. It has already put them in danger, already hurt them. The best it can do now is try to keep them as safe as it can.

It's alright you can come. I could make you a bed or something like this. Are you doing ok now?

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

... You won't. You won't hurt me. Even if you... Do end up doing that...

They trailed off, their antennaes moving back a little.

... I would know you... Wouldn't mean to do that.

They went quiet before letting out a quiet sigh. They knew 597 wouldn't hurt them. Right? They looked back at the supplies manager, their expression soft.

They didn't say anything for another moment, and instead looked towards the newest bottle of whiskey that appeared. They reached out to take it, they themself drinking into it. Gods, they hoped they would get drunk soon so they could blame whatever was coming next on being drunk.

They handed 597 the alcohol back, pulling it closer to themself and resting their cheek on their head. Their antennae twiched for a moment before being lowered, having them hang low lazily again, lightly brushing against 597's hair.

597 thinks back about the previous time, how it spent so much time with the other, and in the dream, for only a few minutes to appear on the clock. It likely had done something, given them more time, so it does that again, accelerating the flow of time inside of this office compared to the one on the outside, so they can enjoy the moment for longer.

It smiles, and looks back at Amadeo.

So...can I go for it?

The other nods, and 597 takes a deep breath. It feels confident enough this time to do it somehow. Probably the alcohol speaking. Or Amadeo's comforting presence. Gently, it presses its hand on Amadeo's cheek, getting them closer. With a smile, it focus on what it is able to create, placing its other hand onto the centipede's stomach. It only takes a few seconds before they can feel something changing inside them. Their stomach is a bit more round that it was before as well, and 597 removes its hand carefully. Well, there it is. It looks at the other fascinated, unsure of what to do now. It is quite clear that it worked, that it has been able to create something new, something that is not going to be harmful for once. It stays still for a few seconds, slowly realising what happened. If it has been able to do that, then it is much more powerful than what it had thought before. It will have to be...careful. Really careful. It looks back at Amadeo, trying to ignore once more the urge to kiss them - it cannot have someone love it to be hurt later on, not again - before a thought strikes it.

Amadeo felt a blush creep it's way up their cheeks as they felt 597's hand on their cheek. They leaned against the touch, their eyes fixated on it. That was until they felt a hand on their stomach.

They looked down, their antennaes raising slightly as they watched what was happening. They leaned back a little to get a better view of it- and then, they felt something inside them shift. It was a weird feeling, and they didn't exactly enjoy it. Once 597 removed it's hand, they sat up properly, their attention still on their now slightly bulged out stomach. Amadeo raised a hand, gently placing it on their belly, feeling the stiffness of it. The bulge wasn't really visible, if they were to wear a bigger shirt they could easily hide it.

Amadeo raised their head up a little to look at 597, unable to keep themself back from smiling as they saw how satisfied the supplies manager looked. They understood what was happening, but they didn't exactly care at the moment, since their mind was still thinking about the alcohol.

Then, they heard 597 ask the question, which kind of snapped them out from thinking about the booze.

I mean... I guess? I don't know.

It suddently feels exhausted, which surprises it. It isn't really tired when it creates stuff, at least it hasn't earlier, and is not particularly tired in general when it still has to handle the supplies. Maybe that one was more complex, harder to do, maybe that's why it is more tired.

Thank you, they say softly.

It wants to ask more questions to Amadeo, about how they feel, but decides that it can wait.

I'm tired. I didn't think it would cost me that much energy to do that.

Amadeo removed the hand off their stomach and pulls 597 closer, letting their body press together. They buried their face into it's hair, nuzzling up to them. Gods, they wanted to do something so bad.

... It's okay, you sleep.

This time, its dream is largely different. It is somewhere, in the building, in an office, and its hair are fully white. It looks at them for a second. They look similar to the ones of Eclipse and it smiles. This is nice. It sits in front of the desk, doing its job, slightly confused on how it ended up there. This is not its office after all, so it is not sure it is allowed to be in there. But nothing happens. No one cares. It is alone.

When opening their eyes, the antivirus found themself in a place one couldn't recognize. They've been in countless dimensions, places, hideouts, lairs, even blind spots where the cameras or the eyes couldn't reached, even in the void! But for the first time in a while, they didn't recognize their sorroundings. How odd. Everything was dark around them. They could feel a freezing blow of air around them. The wet grass, as if it was after a raining session. They could smell the dew and fog, and could feel the water droplets on the grass stick to their feet and legs.

Amadeo raised their head up, staring at the sky. There were no stars, or a moon. Nothing to show the light or give a hint for where to go. Nothing to lead the way, to show which path will lead them to where ever they needed to go to. Moths did this. They searched for the moon, for the light it reflected, to guide them through the dark night. But even they confused simple lamps with the moon's glow. Theirs antennaes lowered in shame. Why were they expecting it? To have something to guide them, to tell them what was happening, or what they needed to do. It was depressing, almost. How unfortunate.

The centipede lowered their head back, looking around, searching for something to show them the way. They found nothing, as expected. They will have to start walking and find the path for themself, because who knows when the moon will return again? They'll just need to hope that they're going to the good direction. And so, they walked forward, alert, unaware of their sorroundings. But they needed to walk if they wanted something to happen. It won't just walk over to them— they'd need to find it.

They didn't know how long they've been walking for. Their legs were starting to hurt. They wanted to give up, but for some reason their legs were not stopping. This happened sometimes. When they themself wanted to stop, but their body could not. They knew if they stopped they won't find what it is they're searching for. They'll have to keep walking.

. . .

They came to a stop somewhere. They didn't know where, they couldn't see past their nose. What they could see was a bud. A small one, standing in the drass, almost glowing. Amadeo stared down at it, not knowing if this was what they were meant to find. So they approached, and knelt down infront of it. It seemed to move, as if trying to bloom.

They reached out as they watched the small bud starting to bloom, the glow around it seemingly growing stronger. But when they touched it's petal-

... It lost it's glow and withered away.

Amadeo quickly retrackted their hand, standing back up. They felt their heartbeat staring to speed up. Did they do something? Did they kill it? Why did it die? Was it their fault? They didn't know they could hurt it. They didn't wanted to hurt it. And yet, there it was, the flower what was starting to give them hope, dead by their hands.

They stepped back, their arms wrapping around their stomach protectively in reflex. Do they turn back? Do they walk away? Do they run? Was this their fault? What do they do now? These questions were eating Amadeo alive. Their antennaes moved lightly, as if trying to pick up a sound or a vibration, anything to guide them. They didn't hear or see anything. Just the sight of the dead flower infront of their feet.

They shook their head. This was just a dream. This had no meaning. Surely, this had no meaning. Amadeo's grip on their stomach tightened up. Right?

...

They didn't remember what happened after that. They just opened their eyes again and found themself back in the office, with 597 pressed against their body. They moved their head down to look at the supplies manager, their gaze softening up. Atleast they stayed. They hoped 597 had a good dream and they slept well.

They stay like that, hugging each other, resting close to another for quite some time, savoring the proximity. 597 cannot really say for how long. Minutes, hours? It doesn't matter anyway, they have all the time they want. Still, no matter how comfortable the position is, its limbs starts to hurt after a moment and it is forced to move away and to stretch a bit, being careful not to hurt Amadeo in the process. It looks at them, seeing them opening their eyes.

Hey. Did you sleep ok?

It sighs, remembering what happened just before they both fell asleep. Yeah maybe drinking so much was not the best idea.

They shook their head, snapping themself out of the thoughts. Hearing 597's voice helped them not focus on that for now.

I slept fine. Just... Had a weird dream.

... How did you sleep?

They asked, their voice soft. They wanted to know that, even if they themself didn't, atleast 597 slept well.

Then, it brought up what happened. Or atleast implied what happened. They really wanted to forget about that and blame the alcohol for not remembering it, but it seemed like they couldn't exactly do that now.

They hummed quietly, turning their head off to the side, suddently unable to look 597 in the eyes.

We probably should talk.

They went quiet, trying to think of what to say, or ask.

What... What even happened? I mean I know what happened, just...

... I just wasn't aware you could do that. It's not even that, but why did you do even do it? And I don't ask because it upsets me, after all I agreed to do it, I would just like to know what the reason behind it was.

Amadeo never raised their voice whilst speaking. They even sounded soft, genuinly wanting to know what the reasoning behind this whole- thing was.

Because I know you probably didn't do it because you wanted to, since we barely even know each other, and I know for sure I didn't ask for it in the first place.

... Most importantly, what now? What will happen after-

Yeah I did sleep well. It was...nice.

It listens to what Amadeo is saying, feeling a bit worried at the mention that they didn't ask it for sure. Maybe it had made a mistake by actually doing it. If it had made even it only one mistake while doing it, the consequences of it could be really bad, and it didn't want to risk hurting Amadeo. It tries to find an answer to their question, unsure of what the actual answer is. It isn't sure itself why it ended up doing it.

Well, there was this order that I received. It's almost the first one I got after I realised what I could do, so I was wondering if that was actually something I'd be able to do. What counts as a supplies, what are the limitation of...this.

It points at itself and then sighs.

I got curious. I always have the tendency to do so. To try to get answers whatever it may costs.

Its brain feels foggy when saying that. It cannot remember the actual cost can I? The price of the knowledge, forgetting about its Moon, and something else perhaps? It cannot tell, cannot be sure.

So I got curious once more. And I'm sorry for that. I probably shouldn't have, it was risky. And stupid. But also...

It blushes slightly, thinking about what it is going to say next.

I may not have met you often, but you are someone that I appreciate in this office. If I was going to try it out with someone, I'm glad it was with you. I don't know what that make us, but I'm happy that it's with you that I've tried it out.

It gently places its hand back onto Amadeo's stomach, making sure they are ok with it.

Honestly? I am not sure what happens now, nor how it will work. This is new. But I'll be there with you ok? It's my responsability as well, I won't leave you alone with...

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

... You won't. You won't hurt me. Even if you... Do end up doing that...

They trailed off, their antennaes moving back a little.

... I would know you... Wouldn't mean to do that.

They went quiet before letting out a quiet sigh. They knew 597 wouldn't hurt them. Right? They looked back at the supplies manager, their expression soft.

They didn't say anything for another moment, and instead looked towards the newest bottle of whiskey that appeared. They reached out to take it, they themself drinking into it. Gods, they hoped they would get drunk soon so they could blame whatever was coming next on being drunk.

They handed 597 the alcohol back, pulling it closer to themself and resting their cheek on their head. Their antennae twiched for a moment before being lowered, having them hang low lazily again, lightly brushing against 597's hair.

597 thinks back about the previous time, how it spent so much time with the other, and in the dream, for only a few minutes to appear on the clock. It likely had done something, given them more time, so it does that again, accelerating the flow of time inside of this office compared to the one on the outside, so they can enjoy the moment for longer.

It smiles, and looks back at Amadeo.

So...can I go for it?

The other nods, and 597 takes a deep breath. It feels confident enough this time to do it somehow. Probably the alcohol speaking. Or Amadeo's comforting presence. Gently, it presses its hand on Amadeo's cheek, getting them closer. With a smile, it focus on what it is able to create, placing its other hand onto the centipede's stomach. It only takes a few seconds before they can feel something changing inside them. Their stomach is a bit more round that it was before as well, and 597 removes its hand carefully. Well, there it is. It looks at the other fascinated, unsure of what to do now. It is quite clear that it worked, that it has been able to create something new, something that is not going to be harmful for once. It stays still for a few seconds, slowly realising what happened. If it has been able to do that, then it is much more powerful than what it had thought before. It will have to be...careful. Really careful. It looks back at Amadeo, trying to ignore once more the urge to kiss them - it cannot have someone love it to be hurt later on, not again - before a thought strikes it.

Amadeo felt a blush creep it's way up their cheeks as they felt 597's hand on their cheek. They leaned against the touch, their eyes fixated on it. That was until they felt a hand on their stomach.

They looked down, their antennaes raising slightly as they watched what was happening. They leaned back a little to get a better view of it- and then, they felt something inside them shift. It was a weird feeling, and they didn't exactly enjoy it. Once 597 removed it's hand, they sat up properly, their attention still on their now slightly bulged out stomach. Amadeo raised a hand, gently placing it on their belly, feeling the stiffness of it. The bulge wasn't really visible, if they were to wear a bigger shirt they could easily hide it.

Amadeo raised their head up a little to look at 597, unable to keep themself back from smiling as they saw how satisfied the supplies manager looked. They understood what was happening, but they didn't exactly care at the moment, since their mind was still thinking about the alcohol.

Then, they heard 597 ask the question, which kind of snapped them out from thinking about the booze.

I mean... I guess? I don't know.

It suddently feels exhausted, which surprises it. It isn't really tired when it creates stuff, at least it hasn't earlier, and is not particularly tired in general when it still has to handle the supplies. Maybe that one was more complex, harder to do, maybe that's why it is more tired.

Thank you, they say softly.

It wants to ask more questions to Amadeo, about how they feel, but decides that it can wait.

I'm tired. I didn't think it would cost me that much energy to do that.

Amadeo removed the hand off their stomach and pulls 597 closer, letting their body press together. They buried their face into it's hair, nuzzling up to them. Gods, they wanted to do something so bad.

... It's okay, you sleep.

This time, its dream is largely different. It is somewhere, in the building, in an office, and its hair are fully white. It looks at them for a second. They look similar to the ones of Eclipse and it smiles. This is nice. It sits in front of the desk, doing its job, slightly confused on how it ended up there. This is not its office after all, so it is not sure it is allowed to be in there. But nothing happens. No one cares. It is alone.

When opening their eyes, the antivirus found themself in a place one couldn't recognize. They've been in countless dimensions, places, hideouts, lairs, even blind spots where the cameras or the eyes couldn't reached, even in the void! But for the first time in a while, they didn't recognize their sorroundings. How odd. Everything was dark around them. They could feel a freezing blow of air around them. The wet grass, as if it was after a raining session. They could smell the dew and fog, and could feel the water droplets on the grass stick to their feet and legs.

Amadeo raised their head up, staring at the sky. There were no stars, or a moon. Nothing to show the light or give a hint for where to go. Nothing to lead the way, to show which path will lead them to where ever they needed to go to. Moths did this. They searched for the moon, for the light it reflected, to guide them through the dark night. But even they confused simple lamps with the moon's glow. Theirs antennaes lowered in shame. Why were they expecting it? To have something to guide them, to tell them what was happening, or what they needed to do. It was depressing, almost. How unfortunate.

The centipede lowered their head back, looking around, searching for something to show them the way. They found nothing, as expected. They will have to start walking and find the path for themself, because who knows when the moon will return again? They'll just need to hope that they're going to the good direction. And so, they walked forward, alert, unaware of their sorroundings. But they needed to walk if they wanted something to happen. It won't just walk over to them— they'd need to find it.

They didn't know how long they've been walking for. Their legs were starting to hurt. They wanted to give up, but for some reason their legs were not stopping. This happened sometimes. When they themself wanted to stop, but their body could not. They knew if they stopped they won't find what it is they're searching for. They'll have to keep walking.

. . .

They came to a stop somewhere. They didn't know where, they couldn't see past their nose. What they could see was a bud. A small one, standing in the drass, almost glowing. Amadeo stared down at it, not knowing if this was what they were meant to find. So they approached, and knelt down infront of it. It seemed to move, as if trying to bloom.

They reached out as they watched the small bud starting to bloom, the glow around it seemingly growing stronger. But when they touched it's petal-

... It lost it's glow and withered away.

Amadeo quickly retrackted their hand, standing back up. They felt their heartbeat staring to speed up. Did they do something? Did they kill it? Why did it die? Was it their fault? They didn't know they could hurt it. They didn't wanted to hurt it. And yet, there it was, the flower what was starting to give them hope, dead by their hands.

They stepped back, their arms wrapping around their stomach protectively in reflex. Do they turn back? Do they walk away? Do they run? Was this their fault? What do they do now? These questions were eating Amadeo alive. Their antennaes moved lightly, as if trying to pick up a sound or a vibration, anything to guide them. They didn't hear or see anything. Just the sight of the dead flower infront of their feet.

They shook their head. This was just a dream. This had no meaning. Surely, this had no meaning. Amadeo's grip on their stomach tightened up. Right?

...

They didn't remember what happened after that. They just opened their eyes again and found themself back in the office, with 597 pressed against their body. They moved their head down to look at the supplies manager, their gaze softening up. Atleast they stayed. They hoped 597 had a good dream and they slept well.

They stay like that, hugging each other, resting close to another for quite some time, savoring the proximity. 597 cannot really say for how long. Minutes, hours? It doesn't matter anyway, they have all the time they want. Still, no matter how comfortable the position is, its limbs starts to hurt after a moment and it is forced to move away and to stretch a bit, being careful not to hurt Amadeo in the process. It looks at them, seeing them opening their eyes.

Hey. Did you sleep ok?

It sighs, remembering what happened just before they both fell asleep. Yeah maybe drinking so much was not the best idea.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

... You won't. You won't hurt me. Even if you... Do end up doing that...

They trailed off, their antennaes moving back a little.

... I would know you... Wouldn't mean to do that.

They went quiet before letting out a quiet sigh. They knew 597 wouldn't hurt them. Right? They looked back at the supplies manager, their expression soft.

They didn't say anything for another moment, and instead looked towards the newest bottle of whiskey that appeared. They reached out to take it, they themself drinking into it. Gods, they hoped they would get drunk soon so they could blame whatever was coming next on being drunk.

They handed 597 the alcohol back, pulling it closer to themself and resting their cheek on their head. Their antennae twiched for a moment before being lowered, having them hang low lazily again, lightly brushing against 597's hair.

597 thinks back about the previous time, how it spent so much time with the other, and in the dream, for only a few minutes to appear on the clock. It likely had done something, given them more time, so it does that again, accelerating the flow of time inside of this office compared to the one on the outside, so they can enjoy the moment for longer.

It smiles, and looks back at Amadeo.

So...can I go for it?

The other nods, and 597 takes a deep breath. It feels confident enough this time to do it somehow. Probably the alcohol speaking. Or Amadeo's comforting presence. Gently, it presses its hand on Amadeo's cheek, getting them closer. With a smile, it focus on what it is able to create, placing its other hand onto the centipede's stomach. It only takes a few seconds before they can feel something changing inside them. Their stomach is a bit more round that it was before as well, and 597 removes its hand carefully. Well, there it is. It looks at the other fascinated, unsure of what to do now. It is quite clear that it worked, that it has been able to create something new, something that is not going to be harmful for once. It stays still for a few seconds, slowly realising what happened. If it has been able to do that, then it is much more powerful than what it had thought before. It will have to be...careful. Really careful. It looks back at Amadeo, trying to ignore once more the urge to kiss them - it cannot have someone love it to be hurt later on, not again - before a thought strikes it.

Amadeo felt a blush creep it's way up their cheeks as they felt 597's hand on their cheek. They leaned against the touch, their eyes fixated on it. That was until they felt a hand on their stomach.

They looked down, their antennaes raising slightly as they watched what was happening. They leaned back a little to get a better view of it- and then, they felt something inside them shift. It was a weird feeling, and they didn't exactly enjoy it. Once 597 removed it's hand, they sat up properly, their attention still on their now slightly bulged out stomach. Amadeo raised a hand, gently placing it on their belly, feeling the stiffness of it. The bulge wasn't really visible, if they were to wear a bigger shirt they could easily hide it.

Amadeo raised their head up a little to look at 597, unable to keep themself back from smiling as they saw how satisfied the supplies manager looked. They understood what was happening, but they didn't exactly care at the moment, since their mind was still thinking about the alcohol.

Then, they heard 597 ask the question, which kind of snapped them out from thinking about the booze.

I mean... I guess? I don't know.

It suddently feels exhausted, which surprises it. It isn't really tired when it creates stuff, at least it hasn't earlier, and is not particularly tired in general when it still has to handle the supplies. Maybe that one was more complex, harder to do, maybe that's why it is more tired.

Thank you, they say softly.

It wants to ask more questions to Amadeo, about how they feel, but decides that it can wait.

I'm tired. I didn't think it would cost me that much energy to do that.

Amadeo removed the hand off their stomach and pulls 597 closer, letting their body press together. They buried their face into it's hair, nuzzling up to them. Gods, they wanted to do something so bad.

... It's okay, you sleep.

This time, its dream is largely different. It is somewhere, in the building, in an office, and its hair are fully white. It looks at them for a second. They look similar to the ones of Eclipse and it smiles. This is nice. It sits in front of the desk, doing its job, slightly confused on how it ended up there. This is not its office after all, so it is not sure it is allowed to be in there. But nothing happens. No one cares. It is alone.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

... You won't. You won't hurt me. Even if you... Do end up doing that...

They trailed off, their antennaes moving back a little.

... I would know you... Wouldn't mean to do that.

They went quiet before letting out a quiet sigh. They knew 597 wouldn't hurt them. Right? They looked back at the supplies manager, their expression soft.

They didn't say anything for another moment, and instead looked towards the newest bottle of whiskey that appeared. They reached out to take it, they themself drinking into it. Gods, they hoped they would get drunk soon so they could blame whatever was coming next on being drunk.

They handed 597 the alcohol back, pulling it closer to themself and resting their cheek on their head. Their antennae twiched for a moment before being lowered, having them hang low lazily again, lightly brushing against 597's hair.

597 thinks back about the previous time, how it spent so much time with the other, and in the dream, for only a few minutes to appear on the clock. It likely had done something, given them more time, so it does that again, accelerating the flow of time inside of this office compared to the one on the outside, so they can enjoy the moment for longer.

It smiles, and looks back at Amadeo.

So...can I go for it?

The other nods, and 597 takes a deep breath. It feels confident enough this time to do it somehow. Probably the alcohol speaking. Or Amadeo's comforting presence. Gently, it presses its hand on Amadeo's cheek, getting them closer. With a smile, it focus on what it is able to create, placing its other hand onto the centipede's stomach. It only takes a few seconds before they can feel something changing inside them. Their stomach is a bit more round that it was before as well, and 597 removes its hand carefully. Well, there it is. It looks at the other fascinated, unsure of what to do now. It is quite clear that it worked, that it has been able to create something new, something that is not going to be harmful for once. It stays still for a few seconds, slowly realising what happened. If it has been able to do that, then it is much more powerful than what it had thought before. It will have to be...careful. Really careful. It looks back at Amadeo, trying to ignore once more the urge to kiss them - it cannot have someone love it to be hurt later on, not again - before a thought strikes it.

Amadeo felt a blush creep it's way up their cheeks as they felt 597's hand on their cheek. They leaned against the touch, their eyes fixated on it. That was until they felt a hand on their stomach.

They looked down, their antennaes raising slightly as they watched what was happening. They leaned back a little to get a better view of it- and then, they felt something inside them shift. It was a weird feeling, and they didn't exactly enjoy it. Once 597 removed it's hand, they sat up properly, their attention still on their now slightly bulged out stomach. Amadeo raised a hand, gently placing it on their belly, feeling the stiffness of it. The bulge wasn't really visible, if they were to wear a bigger shirt they could easily hide it.

Amadeo raised their head up a little to look at 597, unable to keep themself back from smiling as they saw how satisfied the supplies manager looked. They understood what was happening, but they didn't exactly care at the moment, since their mind was still thinking about the alcohol.

Then, they heard 597 ask the question, which kind of snapped them out from thinking about the booze.

I mean... I guess? I don't know.

It suddently feels exhausted, which surprises it. It isn't really tired when it creates stuff, at least it hasn't earlier, and is not particularly tired in general when it still has to handle the supplies. Maybe that one was more complex, harder to do, maybe that's why it is more tired.

Thank you, they say softly.

It wants to ask more questions to Amadeo, about how they feel, but decides that it can wait.

I'm tired. I didn't think it would cost me that much energy to do that.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

... You won't. You won't hurt me. Even if you... Do end up doing that...

They trailed off, their antennaes moving back a little.

... I would know you... Wouldn't mean to do that.

They went quiet before letting out a quiet sigh. They knew 597 wouldn't hurt them. Right? They looked back at the supplies manager, their expression soft.

They didn't say anything for another moment, and instead looked towards the newest bottle of whiskey that appeared. They reached out to take it, they themself drinking into it. Gods, they hoped they would get drunk soon so they could blame whatever was coming next on being drunk.

They handed 597 the alcohol back, pulling it closer to themself and resting their cheek on their head. Their antennae twiched for a moment before being lowered, having them hang low lazily again, lightly brushing against 597's hair.

597 thinks back about the previous time, how it spent so much time with the other, and in the dream, for only a few minutes to appear on the clock. It likely had done something, given them more time, so it does that again, accelerating the flow of time inside of this office compared to the one on the outside, so they can enjoy the moment for longer.

It smiles, and looks back at Amadeo.

So...can I go for it?

The other nods, and 597 takes a deep breath. It feels confident enough this time to do it somehow. Probably the alcohol speaking. Or Amadeo's comforting presence. Gently, it presses its hand on Amadeo's cheek, getting them closer. With a smile, it focus on what it is able to create, placing its other hand onto the centipede's stomach. It only takes a few seconds before they can feel something changing inside them. Their stomach is a bit more round that it was before as well, and 597 removes its hand carefully. Well, there it is. It looks at the other fascinated, unsure of what to do now. It is quite clear that it worked, that it has been able to create something new, something that is not going to be harmful for once. It stays still for a few seconds, slowly realising what happened. If it has been able to do that, then it is much more powerful than what it had thought before. It will have to be...careful. Really careful. It looks back at Amadeo, trying to ignore once more the urge to kiss them - it cannot have someone love it to be hurt later on, not again - before a thought strikes it.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Hm... Well, the first one doesn't really taste like whiskey, but also it doesn't exactly taste like anything else? It's kind of hard to explain. Though, the other one is more sweeter, and its more similar to a whiskey.

They set the first bottle down before drinking from the one in their hand. If they continued like this they will get drunk and...

They shook their head, not wanting to think about the overseer for now.

Amadeo nuzzled their head against 597's, staring down at them. Their antennaes moved, lightly tapping against the other being's head for a moment before moving them away, letting them low lazily.

They tilted their head a little, curiously.

If you... What?

When you work at supplies, you see weird stuff. Weird orders sometimes.

It focuses its glaze onto their antennaes, the way the move along with Amadeo's reactions, and for a second wonder how it would feel to kiss them. But that's probably the alcohol speaking, its feels much more relaxed than before, as if nothing was of importance. More brave as well.

A part of me wants to know exactly what I can do what I can create.

Somehow, the picture of an eye appears in its mind, without it being able to understand where it comes from. It ignores it, and continues speaking, explaining to Amadeo the things going on in its mind.

The thought of their previous conversation comes back to its mind, and it sighs, sadness hitting it. It drinks a bit more. For once, it doesn't care about forgetting, as long as its mind gives it some peace.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Without a word, they, reached up to hold onto 597's arm, gently tugging it closer to themself, trying to get them to sit down so they could pull them into a cuddle. They lifted the blanket up and draped it over supplies, having the sudden urge to keep it warm. As if that would keep them away from it's bad thoughts.

They didn't know what to say, but they hoped actions would be stronger than words. They hoped 597 would understand that they were there for them. Board above, they hoped 597 would understand.

They rested their head against 597's, closing their eyes as they did so. They rubbed it's back, as if trying to soothe them.

597 whispers. It enjoys the warmth brought by the blanket, the comfort of having someone close to it, someone holding it. Slowly it relaxes slighly as Amadeo rubs its back. This is nice, having someone take care of it, even if it's just for a short time before going back to its lonely office. Tears start running from its eyes as it is finally able to let go of the stress and pressure of everything that happened recently.

It tries it hide it, to not show Amadeo it is crying, quickly whipping it tears. They were the one who looked sad, who needed comfort, not it. It gets a bit closer, trying to bring comfort to the other as well. They stay like that for a few minutes, before its mind starts rambling again. For once, its thoughts are more gentle, more curious than anything else. It wants to understand how all of it works, not simply because it has to, or to trying to make sense of all this mess of an office, but because it is interesting. It looks at the bottle in its hands and takes another sip of it.

I'm wondering... Alcohol tastes' difference, it can be really subtle usually. I don't know if I'll be able to reproduce it well you know. I don't exactly know how it works.

It pauses, and smiles slightly.

Well, there is only one way to know.

It puts down the bottle on the floor, and makes a second one appear. It takes a sip of it, comparing it with the first one. It seems a bit different that the first one -maybe a bit less bitter- but it cannot really tell the difference.

Can you drink both and tell me how they taste?

597 waits for Amadeo to answer, putting its head back onto their shoulder - the centipede is really comfortable and it wants to enjoy having them close for as long as it can.

There is something else I'm wondering. Would it be ok if I...

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

No, it's fine, I will stay in this form for now. It takes up pretty much all of the space, and... Well, I don't want to accidently hurt you or something.

They look back at it, raising their head.

And, yes, I've always been able to take that form... I just chose not to, because, you know, not everyone likes centipedes and they'd call pest control on me.

They laughed weakly, trying to lighten up the mood a little. They were hoping 597 would get the irony in calling pest control on them, since centipedes were technically pretty good pest controllers and god rid of roaches and other bugs.

Amadeo watched as 597 make a bottle appear in their hand. And they did look a little suprised, but they didn't say anything. Their antennaes twiched lightly before they reached up to gently take the bottle away from 597.

They poped the lid off, and took a big sip from it before handing it back to the supplies manager. They let out a quiet sigh as they swallowed the whiskey in the mouth, enjoying the feeling of it.

It's sad. That you weren't able to take that form because of people's opinion, it's a lovely one.

It takes back the bottle and drinks from it, enjoying the heat brought by the alcohol. It feels cold now, now that the exhausting and the anxiety is slowly catching up on it.

Is it ok if I take a bit of the blanket as well? It looks comfortable.

And maybe, just maybe it wants to enjoy someone's proximity once more, to pretend that it can get close to other people without hurting them, without leading them to leave. It looks at the bottle in its hands and take one more sip from it.

I can make stuff appear. Just realised it. Supplies. Alcohol. And also stuff that hurt people.

It pauses, unsure about why it's saying all of that. Maybe it's the alcohol, or the fatigue. Or the fact that it doesn't have anyone else to talk to.

I've hurt the Moon. I don't even know how, I can't remember it. Maybe that's what hurt them. That I couldn't remember them. And now they are gone.

It sighs, not willing to share anymore about the Moon to Amadeo. What happened with them, the dream, the letter, the book, it belongs to it alone.

But that's what I do. I hurt people with the things I create. Hell, I'm not even sure how I create stuff.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.

Amadeo looked off to the side, their antennaes twiching lightly. Should they explain? They did consider 597 their friend, after all. Maybe they should... They shouldn't be keeping anything from their friends again.

... Oh boy, where do I start...? Some things happened after you left my office.

They looked over to the bottles, one of them still having sone booze left inside it.

I went to get some alcohol, as you see. Then I passed out, and when I woke up again, I was— well, in this form.

They reached up to that side of their face which was covered by their hair, lightly touching something before they removed their hand.

Pressure built up and this form couldn't exactly keep up eoth it so I decided to be in that... Bigger form of mine... Gods, this is hard to explain.

They reached up to cover their face, closing their eyes completly. They wanted to dissapear.

... I am the person you spoke with... I am still me... I know I look a bit different from what I did before... But I'm me...

Nice to meet you Amadeo, then. I don't really use any name, so 597 works just fine for me.

The other doesn't add anything for a moment, so it continues.

If you feel more comfortable in your other form, they you can change back, I don't mind it. Did you... were you always able to take that form?

It sighs. This is a lot to take in, way more than it can tolerate in a day. But its friend has trusted it, so maybe it should do it as well. Trust them on what happened as well. It makes a bottle appear in its hand - whiskey it appears to be - and show it to Amadeo.

Is it even supposed to do that? To create itself the supplies that it has to send? It probably has, otherwise why would it even be there? It just should be more careful with it. Stop interacting with people. If it interacts with then, it ends up hurting them. That's probably why the Moon - Eclipse - left it. Well, it suppose they have left, otherwise they would have come speak to it in person. But they left, and it hurt them. Its heart hurt. They probably shouldn't even have cared for it in the first time. Maybe they didn't even know, loved it only to be deceived and hurt.

The thought hurts. It forces it to stop, looking at where it is now. It has probably been 10 or 15 minutes since it left the warehouse, but it lose sense of space. It is close to a door now. Office 234. The employee with who it had a chat and a hug, where it fell asleep not so long ago - barely a couple of day? There is a sign on the door now, one that says to knock before enter. It hesitate for a moment. It shouldn't, shouldn't interact with anyone, shouldn't even care, shouldn't get close. But it's too late to not care, and it needs to clear its mind somehow. Then it will get back to its office and stay there, find a way to answer the last few question it still has, and disappear in it, let itself be forgotten by everyone else. But for now, it knocks at the door, unsure of what to expect.

There was silence. No answer came for a few moments before shuffling was heard from behind the door. A tired voice was heard soon after that.

Who's there?

The person behind the door sounded off, somehow. Their voice was quiet and they sounded like they have been crying for the past hour or so. And that was true. 234 Amadeo has been crying their eyes out. They were tired and didn't know what to do or how to ask for help. All they could do in this situation is cry. Until, of course, someone didn't show up. They tried their best to sound like they weren't crying, but they were failing at that too.

It's 597.

Supplies management, it adds after a moment of silence.

Still, there is no reply.

Can I come in?

The person on the door stays silent, not giving any indication that it is welcome here, but not telling it to leave either. It sighs. If its... friend? It isn't sure, they only spoke once, and while it was somewhat intense, it isn't sure it's enough to call them a friend. But one way or another, if 234 is hurt, it is not going to let them be alone. Carefully, it opens the door.

Inside, there is a large centipede-like creature. Under other conditions, it would probably have been interested by it, but at the moment, it makes it shivers. There is no sign of 234 anywhere. It turn around to the creature - they look partly human, ready to fight them if necessary.

Hesitantly, it lowers itself down onto the floor before 597, resting it's head on the ground.

... It's me, 234... Or, well... Kinda...? It's... Complicated...

Amadeo's voice is heard. It's quiet, and tired, as heard before. They didn't know what to say, or how to explain this to them. They hoped 597 wouldn't open the door, but, here they were, I guess. The giant centipede lowered it's antennaes, letting them lazily rest beside it. What could it say?

Before 597 could do or say anything, the centipede's body began to change. Before it knew it, instead of a centipede, a human— well, humanoid atleast— laid infront of them. They were covered by the blanket 597 had brought to 234. The person pushed themself up, covering themself with the blanket.

They looked nothing like 234. Their hair was longer, their skin was paler and their frame was lighter too. They had some... Non-human features. Like two set of eyes on one side of their face, whilst the other side was covered by their hair. They had a set of antennaes on their head, and there was this dark red mark on their neck which went down the right side of their body, all across their chest and shoulder and down their arm.

... I don't know how to explain this to you.

Are you ok? I have time, maybe you can try explaining.

It hesitates a bit, seeing empty bottles on a corner of the office. It thinks of creating a bottle of something to drink. After all, the person just transformed in front of it, so that probably wouldn't surprise them too much. But it doesn't want to risk revealing something like that so soon, so decides against it. At least for now.