the silly

You nearly choke. Tenna startles, immediately apologizing as you force yourself to swallow your half-chewed food. You clear your throat. "Um...why do you ask?"

"Well," Tenna replies, fidgeting with his tie, "I've spent so much time talking about my day, and I haven't heard anything about yours yet, so..." He looks at you expectantly.

You freeze up. You didn't want to tell him the truth, but you knew that if you lied, he'd see straight through you, like he always had. Your eyes dart around, searching for any excuse to change the subject. You come up empty.

Tenna's expression withers. "Did it...not go well?"

"Ah—it's not that, it's...just..."

You trail off. The noise of the Green Room dulls down, Tenna's screen shining down on you like a spotlight. His gloved hand lands gingerly on your thigh. You glance away for a moment, a shiver running down your spine.

I don't want to tell him...

You sigh.

...but it seems I don't have a choice.

"We need to talk."

You close the door to Tenna's dressing room behind you. Tenna instinctively makes his way to the couch, patting the spot beside him. You sit, folding your hands in your lap.

After a short spell of silence, Tenna speaks up. "Did I do something...wrong?"

"N-No! It's not you—well, I mean...I guess it kind of is, but not—I mean—" You scramble to explain yourself, struggling to formulate even a basic answer. Tenna gently grabs your wrist. You flinch, glancing towards him, a soft, patient smile gracing his face when you lock gazes. Your breath hitches.

Tenna begins to release his hand, but as he pulls away, you grab onto his forefinger, giving it a squeeze.

"I-I think...we're in danger."

You tell Tenna everything. Fort's findings, the token, the inscription, everything--except your encounter with your boss, of course. "I don't know what all of it means yet," you conclude, "but...it can't be anything good."

The room goes quiet, the air still and tense. Tenna is unresponsive, his screen dark. His fingers shakily wrap around your hand.

"I'm...being...hunted?"

His voice is strained. You feel his gentle grip on your hand diminish as he begins to shrink. His antennae droop as he gets smaller and smaller, until he's small enough to fit in your pocket, a sight you're not used to.

You rush to comfort him, laying across the couch on your stomach, leaning on your elbows. "H-Hey, it's okay! Fort is looking into it, and he should find something soon! And in the meantime, you still have me, right?"

Tenna doesn't respond. He tucks his knees to his chest, wrapping his arms around himself.

You slowly reach out your hand, brushing your finger against Tenna's cheek. He turns and wraps his arms around it, nuzzling into your knuckle as he sniffles. You let out a sigh, resting your chin on the cushion as you stroke Tenna's back with your other hand.

"Listen," you begin, your voice low, "I know you're scared. I am, too. But if we let this get to us, then the Sygnalcate—whoever they are—will win. And we can't let them win because...that would be...bad."

Tenna looks up at you, the corners of his screen wet with tears. You snort. "Look, I'm not as good with words as you, okay? I'm trying my best."

Tenna's small form shakes as he giggles. You smile. "Don't worry, Tens. Not matter what happens, I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise."

Eventually, Tenna begins to grow back to his normal size. He still holds onto your hand, gingerly kissing your fingers. You relax into his affection, falling into his arms. His grip on your hand shifts as he interlocks your fingers. You snuggle into his chest, shuddering as he presses chaste kisses into your shoulder, his fans whirring against your neck.

"Thank you, _____," Tenna purrs. "I don't know what I would do without you."

You bite back a whimper as he pulls away.

"Actually," he continues, "if you wouldn't mind, could you...spend the night with me?"

You feel your face redden. "Wh—I—?!"

Tenna stammers. "O-Oh, I mean—I just...don't want to be...a-alone."

"Oh." You snicker. "That's what you meant. Yeah, I...don't mind. Spending the night. With you."

Tenna sighs. "That's a relief." He pauses. "I suppose...we should get back to work, huh?"

"Yeah...we should, shouldn't we?"

Yet, neither of you move. Tenna's free hand finds its way down your torso, rubbing small circles into your side with his thumb. You bury your face against his collar. The two of you cuddle lazily, getting tipsy off of the other's warmth.

"Maybe just...a few more minutes," you mutter.

Tenna hums in agreement.

-------------------------------------------------------

ooooohh steamy

its getting hot in here

...

oh right im back

where have i been? in the mines

and by the mines, i mean writer's block

i wanted to write this chapter sooner, but then mr fox said "deltarune tomorrow" and i was banished to the shadow realm

i loved chapter 5 btw 10/10 peak cinema

i love the stinky smelly flower man

and his foolish assortment of colorful characters /ref

anyway im gonna go feast on some of my extra BIG pantry size CHEEZ-ITs baked snack crackers extra BIG original made with 100% REAL cheese baked snack crackers

bye

Actually hollered

And finally

TUMBLR MENTIONED?!!! iykyk but CAN SOMEONE FIND THE OP FOR THAT JOKE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TAG THEM THEY NEED TO KNOW THAT TOBY KNOWS

Anyway, this was a great—nay, fantastic chapter! All the Undertale references made me so happy, and saying goodbye to the flowers made me tear up! Then Flowery’s death and Susie’s “home” finished the job lmao 😭😭🥺

lesbians

time to add Susie splat to the collection lol

Peter griffin death pose we Stan

All great facial expressions lmaooo

RALSEI EYES AUGHHHH HES SO SLAY

Ace Attorney mention!!!!

HAHA

They said the thing!!!

You pull into your designated parking space, the doors of your car making a dull click as you lock them. As you fuss with your clothes, smoothing out wrinkles and picking off lint, you turn your eyes to the building in front of you.

A grand structure, built from marble and granite, stands proudly amidst the more industrial city surrounding it. The architecture is ornate and detailed, murals of powerful warriors chiseled into the side walls. Large stone pillars line the entrance, the plinths of each engraved with a word.

COURAGE

BRAVERY

INTELLIGENCE

STRATEGY

STRENGTH

SACRIFICE

You swallow, your eyes following the pillars up to the pediment. There, another engraving reads:

GUARD AND PROTECTION AGENCY

Steeling your resolve, you approach the large wooden doors, the shadow of the GPA Headquarters looming over you. You go over your mental script one more time, take a deep breath, and enter.

Cold air runs across your skin, forcing you to suppress a shiver. The interior is as minimalistic and dull as you remember; gray chairs, dark wooden tables, and various abstract decorum are placed meticulously around the reception area. The air here seems thinner, and you struggle to take a full breath.

You head to the reception desk. The surface is spotless, newly dusted, and yet it does not shine. Papers are stacked in neat piles, pens and pencils lined up in a perfect row. A coffee mug sits alone on a coaster, the drink inside black and bitter. The only bit of color is the desk bell, a rusted bronze with specks of wear on the plunger. You press down, and the bell responds with a hollow and resonant clink.

Silence. Then, the faint sounds of heels on tile.

The door behind the desk swings open, and from it emerges an unfamiliar face.

"Hello! Welcome to the Guard and Protection Agency Headquarters!"

The Pippins receptionist smiles at you, her grin unsettlingly wide. You instinctively tense up. She sits down, her chair creaking in protest. "How can I be of service today?" Her voice is shrill and fake, grating at your ears with every word. She tilts her head, unblinking.

You clear your throat. "Agent _____, reporting for my meeting with Lead Forensics Fort."

She waits an uncomfortably long second before rifling through the papers on her desk. A few moments later, she nods, her smile unchanged. "Welcome back, Agent _____. Doctor Fort is ready for you." She gestures to the office doorway and, before you can ask any questions, retreats back to where she came.

You make your way through the hallways, walking past door after door, dodging glances from coworkers commuting elsewhere. Eventually, you arrive at a door you know well. You knock.

The door swings open quickly. A familiar face peeks out, adjusting his glasses. The Bloxer looks around and quietly beckons you inside.

Once the door closes, Fort heaves a sigh of relief. "Am I glad you're here, _____," he says, his voice as hoarse as ever. "I'm a-assuming you got my message?" Before you can answer, he chuckles to himself. "Who am I kidding, of course you did. Why else would you b-be here?"

You chuckle. "You know me so well. So, what did you find?"

Fort freezes. "R-Right." He swallows, fidgeting with the pins on his lab coat. He gestures you to follow, leading you through the morgue.

The air is heavy with the smell of stale dust and stone. The walls are lined with containment units, most laying open and empty. You know what's inside the few occupied ones.

"H-He didn't have much on him," Fort says, squeezing his forefinger as he walks, "but there was one...item of intrigue. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but...it might be important."

You shiver. "What do you mean, 'might be'? What is it?"

"Again, I-I'm not entirely certain. It seems to be a...token of s-some sort. I don't know what its significance is, but it...must have been important to the subject. Because...w-well..."

Fort stops, turning to a window. Following his gaze, your heart turns cold. Atop the cadaver table lays a body encased in stone. Sprawled out, its empty, lifeless eyes stare back at you. Two bullet wounds mar the otherwise perfect preservation: one on its leg, and the other on its radio head, right between its dead eyes.

That damn DJ.

"Before you enter," Fort says, startling you from your daze, "I ask that you put on some gloves. I d-don't want you getting fingerprints on everything."

The door of the cadaver lab closes behind the two of you. The room smells like isopropyl alcohol and latex. The fluorescent lights above you hum.

Fort opens a drawer, grabbing a plastic bag and holding it out to you. "Be c-careful with it." You nod. Reaching inside, your fingers wrap around the disk. You pull it out and hold it in your palm.

It's bigger than you expected, about the size of the bottom of a soda can, and a bit heavy, too. The token's dirty copper-brown color shines in the bright lighting, the reeded edges leaving marks into your gloves. In the middle, etched into the metal, is a strange symbol. A ring within a ring within a ring, almost like a ripple in still water. And written around the outermost ring:

DOWN WITH THE LORD OF SCREENS - ALL HAIL THE SYGNALCATE

"What the hell...?" You mutter.

Fort shrugs. "I'm not sure what the s-significance of it is, but it could be important. Maybe a good luck ch-charm or a badge?" He reaches over and grabs a clipboard from the countertop. "Analysis shows fingerprints m-matching the subject. There are also prints that I...cannot identify. I wish I could be of more h-help, but this is all I can do." He taps his fingers against the clipboard nervously, hiding his face behind it. "S-Sorry I dragged you all the way over here just for a dud. I've just wasted a b-bunch of your time, haven't I?"

You stammer. "Fort, this is...well, not what I was expecting, but still a huge clue!" Upon hearing your praise, he lights up. You continue. "Do you have any information on this...name etched in here?" You point to the coin.

Fort hums. "Sygnalcate...that name d-does sound kind of...familiar." He pauses before shaking his head. "I don't know. If you give me some time, I might be able to find something...I hope."

"That would be a big help." You hand over the coin. "Thank you, again. I wouldn't have found this without you." Fort laughs shyly. "J-Just doing my job, _____. But...you're welcome."

After saying your goodbyes, you begin making your way back to the reception area. The halls are quieter than before, the air holding a faint tension, like an empty meadow after the animals fled from a booming gunshot. You force yourself to swallow.

Then, the silence is broken by a deep, powerful voice, sending a shiver down your spine and tying your stomach in knots.

"Agent."

You turn around.

A hulking darkner looks down at you, her gaze cold and calculated. Broad shoulders make way for brutishly muscular arms, crossed stoically against her chest. Her presence alone drains what little warmth remains in the area, and you can't help but shiver.

Quickly, you straighten your posture and raise a salute. "D-Director Belkin, sir!"

She doesn't reply. Instead, she leans down, looming over your--in comparison--small form like a lion over her prey. You hold your breath to stop your shaking.

"I heard about that little...incident."

Her voice rumbles in your ears, her frigid breath prickling against your cheeks. Your throat dries up as you begin to speak. "Sir, I can expla--"

Before you can finish your sentence, Belkin's hand shoots for your salute, clasping your wrist in a bruising grip. You yelp.

"I am beginning to lose my patience, Agent _____."

You fight the urge to struggle as she growls in your ear.

"We have already lost one valuable asset due to your negligence, and we nearly lost another."

Her words pierce you right where it hurts. You cannot stop shaking.

"If anything like that happens under your watch again, it will be your badge." She pulls you a little closer, locking eyes. "Am I clear?"

You try to speak. "I-I--"

Belkin tightens her grip, your hand tensing as your skin cracks under her hand. You fight back a scream, biting your tongue.

"Yes, sir," you blurt, "I understand, sir!"

After a brief moment, she lets go. "Good," she replies. She turns, giving you an opportunity to survey the damage. Your fingers tremble inconsolably, the plastic skin of your wrist decorated with fractures. You can feel your heartbeat in your hand.

Belkin looks over her shoulder. "Do not disappoint me."

And with that, she leaves.

You breathe a heavy sigh as you return to TV Studios. Right as you enter, you're suddenly scooped up into a hug by two large arms.

"_____! You're back!"

Tenna's voice makes your heart flutter with joy, the vibrant colors and distinct floral scent of the studio giving the space a comforting glow. You feel warm for the first time in hours.

You laugh. "I told you I'd be back, now put me down!"

Tenna cuddles you for a few seconds longer before obliging. Thinking quickly, you fold your hands behind your back to hide your injured wrist. "It's good to be back," you say.

Tenna whirrs happily. "I'm sure you're hungry," he replies, "so I'll let you have lunch a little early."

You weren't hungry. But Tenna was clearly dying of loneliness, so you agreed. You needed a distraction.

Alas, while the warmth and comfort of TV Studios was nice, and Tenna's affection and kindness made you happy, you couldn't stop thinking about that coin.

Down with the Lord of Screens, all hail the Sygnalcate...what does it mean?

You wish you had answers. But you didn't know where to look. It was all up to Fort now.

All you can do...is wait.

-------------------------------------------------

guess whos back, back again

sorry ts took so long, work's been busy, life's been busy, and honestly i was kinda running out of ideas for this fic

i mean, i had ideas, but i didnt know what to do with them

but i love how this chapter turned out!! and bringing back H I M will let me do something a little silly later :3 this is a threat btw

also i learned so many new terms today, so feel free to look up any word you dont know lmao cus i didnt know they existed either

anyway ive been writing for four fuckin hours so imma end it here

bye-onara!!