#[repression work.]

With my new design for FM. boy that is getting even more intense.

They take a long time to warm up to eachother. Meursault performs Instinct works with FM as per protocol, with FM absolutely not enjoying the process (i mean, the feeding tube has to be re-inserted every time, plus it kind of goes past the gag (which i called another tube), I do not imagine that is a pleasant sensation). He, however, senses some similarities between themselves and gradually comes to take care of Murderer. Like, carries a handkerchief and some sort of bandage and disinfectant to tend to the wound after FM hits his head. Maybe prevents him from harming himself. Speaks to him in a gentler tone. FM finally gains enough courage to start looking him in the eyes, and also demonstratively thrashes around in the restraints to tell Meursault to take them off

Meursault, however, does not. Not at first. He's been instructed not to. But, one day, maybe he reasons it away to himself. "I can give him nicer food and feed him in a way that is more comfortable, that will increase PE-Box production". So he carries his own food with him and takes off FM's mask and gag.

FM immediately starts begging for him to take his straitjacket off. Of course, it hurts, it's genuinely horrible to wear it. Meursault has to keep him quiet, as he had already violated what he has been told to do (not un-restrain him) and being found out would mean an execution bullet to his head, or being Sacrificed, or just plainly fired, and wings know what happens to those people. So he says, shut up, if they find out I've unrestrained you, it's all over.

FM finds it in himself to trust him, and for the first time enjoys a meal. It tastes better, not like the mushed up blood and entrails he is usually fed. Like human food. It makes him feel almost human. When it comes time to finish work and have the gag and mask put back on, he hesitates but ultimately accepts it.

They start doing it more often, for every work. Meursault takes off his mask, feeds him his own food, sometimes they talk in-between that. Meursault tells him things, FM, for the first time as well, is able to reply.

Eventually, it comes to the point that Meursault decides to take off his straitjacket. They have a conversation before it. Meursault explains - even if you kill me, you will not be able to get away, as the halls are full of armed people. We will both be at a disadvantage if you try to escape. FM listens... When the binds come off, he doesn't try to run. Only looks down at himself.

He's emaciated, has red marks all over his body, both from the binds, and from having things injected into him. He is also covered in his own dried blood. Some things didn't come off, like his collar. And there's the awful hospital gown. It's not how he remembers himself as - does he even remember himself at all? He feels grossed out by himself, terribly dysmorphic, and starts breaking down. Meursault ends up comforting him, they end up embracing. Physical contact with actual skin from a person and not just the rough canvas brings FM back to reality.

That, too, goes on for a while. The times with the straitjacket off are shorter than the times with the mask off were, because they have to fit into the work schedule and not be suspected, but those are the happiest moments of their days. Meursault is consistently sent to FM as he always gets high results on his works, FM finally has some moments of happiness and freedom from pain.