#adaptation collaboration

Morphine

What Morgane heard in response sounded like an otherworldly string of chirps. "It roughly translates to wild oasis star, they grow around pools of water back at my home planet, a treat I couldn't part with." 

He sat down to enjoy the first sips of mate, once again unable to hold back the sounds of satisfaction. It was prepared perfectly, just the right temperature and strength. The other scientist proved to be much more forgiving than he thought. So far he was met with pettiness, revenge, name calling and cold demeanor. This is much nicer... Kind gestures seem to go a long way here. How odd... This and the way the Director keeps treating him with so much genuine care, worry and generosity..... Hah... What a bunch of sentimental fools... He thought to himself, still feeling that strange warmth in his chest.

Morgane

He turned the fruit over a few more times in his hand. Giving it a light squeeze and bringing it close to his face to sniff it. 

Once he had finished his observations he vocalized the same -though his pronunciation was stiff, almost juvenile-like in his attempt- otherworldly string of chirps. Testing the "word?" in his own mouth before using his own claws to slice into the fruit exactly as he had shown him. 

"...Which part do I eat first? Does it have seeds? Are you able to grow them here?" A few of his tails slowly waved in the air as he studied the inner fruit's flesh.

Morphine

Alien's ears perked up at the attempt to repeat fruit's name. It's the first time anyone ever tried to do that here. The thought of Morgane's genuine interest and will to interact with alien ingredients, fruits and even speech made his face heat up. It was flustering and flattering... Suddenly he wished to teach him more words, have him study all the other fruits and vegetables he managed to take with him... 

"you first eat the wedges, then the centre, at the bottom there is one hidden, glossy, black seed. The plant can endure a lot, and it proved to survive here on earth given the right heat and nutrition. I have a whole section in my lab dedicated to flora from my planet alone. I'm able to live here thanks to them"

Morgane

He listened with rapt attention, intrigued by this alien fruit. Its colors and scent so different from those he was used to. Prying the wedge gently, he lifted it close to his face. Watching how the light interacted with it's colors as he shifted it side to side. Perhaps ingesting it might poison him seeing how colorful it appeared. Well, likely not considering Morphine was giving it to him with well intention. Though, he couldn't help the quiet excitement of finding out its composition. If only he could see it growing in the wild. 

He couldn't just admire it forever. It was meant to be eaten and while it's a shame he wouldn't be able to feel it's texture, at least the flavor he'd be able to experience it. He took a careful bite of it, worried if juices might spill or the wedge may fall apart. 

After taking that first bite he had to cover his mouth. Instantly aware his face was likely showing an embarrassing expression, enjoying the taste a little too much. His ears and tail twitching and wagging. Unaware he let slip a low purring chirp. 

His interest in the alien, perhaps in a while since he first heard about his arrival, was reviving and budding again at the mention of his unique and otherworldly flora from his planet. 

"Do you have culinary recipes with this fruit? How long does it take to germinate and bloom? Heat like a desert biome or a tropical one? If it's good for bones, was it used and cultivated with medicinal purposes in mind? What nutrition-" He was about to ask several more questions amongst the many he already fired off when he realized he was getting carried away from their task and purpose of being in this specific lab. 

What confounded him more was he was engaging him in conversation when he wanted to keep their distance from each other. He looked momentarily sheepish before regaining his usual reserved expression. "We're getting off track... I'll be sending you the data report of the samples from yesterday and moving on to experimenting with the next antimutagen formula." 

He placed the fruit down on his desk to return his focus on his work. Mumbling under his breath, refusing to look his way, "Thank you for the ♪~⁓♪."

Morphine

Hearing him let out a satisfied chirp confirmed it was the right first choice. For a moment he forgot it was just a part of an elaborate plan to subdue the fox, but then again... What's the harm in enjoying the process too he thought to himself - a thought that would pop up more and more often with time... 

He couldn't take his eyes off of him, the tails especially were giving away the fact he enjoyed the fruit, then the series of questions. Despite Morgane dropping the topic he made sure to take note of all of them to answer later. 

"OH! You continued working yesterday??" He took a glance at the progress made by the fox. "Hah... wow... working with you is pure bliss. These formulas are incredible!" - He would then go into a great detail, praising his intellect and will to learn, adapt and perfect their craft. "I understand now why the Director puts his complete trust in you" He would then sit there in awe, re-reading them and writing down a few notes himself then scrapping his own ideas.

Morgane

"Of course. It was my foot that was incapacitated, not my hands or mind. Being set back from such an injury is beneath me." He'd respond without taking his eyes off the screen. 

He didn't respond to his compliments. At least verbally. The twitch of his ear towards his direction, the slight turn of his head away from him, his brow furrowing just so, and the shortest pause of his tails mid-tasks quietly conveyed his reluctant bashfulness. Unwilling to acknowledge it. Not knowing how to respond to it. 

Hoping he was hiding it well and he wouldn't notice. If he did, then the alien had best keep silent about it.

Morphine

Hearing that filled him with further respect towards his coworker. It hit close to home. He took a couple more sips, refilled the mate and focused on work taking small breaks to enjoy the fruit he used for demonstration earlier. 

Time to time he would glance at the Fox. When the timing felt right he decided to ask a question. "How is your hand?"

Morgane

He was considering how to go about an issue with the antimutagen's reaction with the sample when he asked his question. Caught a bit off guard about such a thing. 

"...It's fine." 

He raised his hand up to show. The deep cuts that needed stitches before already closed up and turning pale on his dark skin. 

After a thought, a pause in his movements, he decided to ask back, "... How are your injuries? Does it hurt?"

Morphine

A pained expression on his face upon a stretch and a light squeeze around his neck indicated he's healing much slower. 

He parted bandages to let him have a look too. "Ahh... I used them as an opportunity for Jack to practice various suture patterns. She did... an okay job." He giggled. 

"Proud of her, she was so nervous... Of course it couldn't end without her pricking herself in the process multiple times"

Morgane

He sighed, the sound was chastising, but his expression showed light amusement, "Using yourself as a practice dummy. How reckless."

After seeing his injuries he glanced away. His expression was now unreadable as he seemed lost in thought... After coming to a decision he slowly approached him, standing at the edge of his station. 

"I can't say those injuries I gave you weren't deserving... But, having you bear them for the duration of this research is... completely counterproductive to the end goal and contradictory of me when I was the one who initially asked for your cooperation in this project... If you could come here." He motioned for him to stand in front of him.

Morphine

"Reckless..." He snickered then stood up from his chair. "In comparison to chew toy and a punching bag, a practice dummy wasn't nearly as reckless, don't you think?" He looked down at him, smiling gently, curious to know where this was going.

Morgane

He blinked at the remark, before huffing a soft laugh under his breath, "... That's quite true."

 Once in front of him, he motioned for him to lean down. He then held his hands out, stopping in front of him, "I'm... Going to touch you, tell me where it hurts." 

If he didn't want to be touched he could pull away or say so as he proceeded to gently, ever so faintly, trail his fingers around his neck where he'd seen the bruising and stitches. 

It was like being back on the beach again. Being so careful and gentle. His eyes scanning over him, trying to find where he was hurting. 

He was murmuring something softly. His tone uncharacteristically... Comforting. Almost like he was humming a tune as he slowly rubbed circles with his fingers around his injuries.

"You'll be alright... You'll be okay... I'll take your pain far, far away..."

The places he had touched felt fainter. The aches slowly growing lighter.

Morphine

He stood there, utterly dumbfounded, again. His body so stiff it would creak like an old door if he moved. With every gentle touch the soreness in his muscles and stinging of the wounds would subside. He already forgot about his request regarding not getting touched, after all it only mattered for the sake of argument during the fight. He did not plan on enforcing it now... or ever again…

"ahh.. let me..." He carefully took his lab coat off and hang it over his chair. 

"I'm going to touch you too, show you where it hurts." He then wrapped two of his tentacles around Morgane's wrists and led his hands to touch his back, without turning, pulling him closer and wrapping his arms around him.

Morgane

His eyes widened as he was pulled in. His immediate reaction was either to pull back or push him away... Pressed so close to him their scent was so much stronger now, causing their tails to puff up at the ends in irritation and wariness. 

Would he start feeling again? The memories of that embarrassing incident flashed through his mind. Like that? His face became slightly flush along with a shiver he didn't know his body produced. The thought had him feel both mortified... and curious... 

That and he felt... Oddly self conscious as he was far closer to him than he ever planned to be. But, surprising even himself, he suppressed his reactions and stayed put. Whatever the case may be, he would eventually find out and do something about it then, but for now he was intent on righting his wrong. 

He slid his hands over his back, mostly letting those tentacles guide him, careful of his claws as he tried his best to maneuver over his figure with his smaller form. "...It would be better if you'd turn around instead... Here?"

Morphine

"I'm afraid my tail would get in the way~" He couldn't help himself and used this opportunity to test his lack of sense of touch again, or rather use it as an excuse to touch his cute fluffy ears again, ever so gently not to alert the fox. 

A heavy sigh of relief escaped his chest as the pain continued to disappear.

"yes, there, I'm assuming you can't really feel them, can you?"

 He took a moment to examine how small Morgane actually was standing in front of him like that. Insane to think how powerful this little thing actually is, able to throw him around like a rag doll, and now... somehow making his pain go away... So many questions unanswered... He was eager to explore all of it... In the right moment. He had to play it safe. Less reckless indeed.

Morgane

He sighed in frustration, "It would not. Please let go." Without being able to see where his hands were and the fact his tentacles were wrapped around his wrists last he saw... He couldn't move his arms without possibly injuring him further... For all he knew, if those tentacles weren't guiding his hands, he may as well be holding them in the air doing nothing and touching nothing. 

His ears would twitch from his discomfort being so close to him, but the alien would see his ears were completely unresponsive to his touch. His fur feeling as soft as ever with the end tips of his ears feeling cold. 

At the mention of his... Inability to feel, he went a little stiff... "... Not really through the bandages..." He... Wasn't ready to admit that weakness. Explain it. Feel judged for it. He took a step back, "If you're feeling better... I'd like for you to let me go."

Morphine

His eyes would meet Morgane's and without a word or breaking eye contact he would then guide one of his hand to the side of his face and the other against the bite mark where he could now see them.

Morgane

His mouth opened and closed a few times. Trying to form words of protest or something to say to get him to back off... But they all seemed to get stuck in his throat. Rather in that moment he could hear his own heartbeat pulsing loudly in his ears, it's usual steady rhythm picking up it's pace. 

How long has it been... 

Being perceived by another so... Intensely. 

Yes the director could look at him. So a few others in this facility... But... This felt too personal. Too intimate. 

As though all of him was being seen by him. 

It made him feel too aware of their present size difference.

 He felt so small under his gaze. 

It was unsettling. 

He quietly steeled his resolve, unwilling to falter in his eyes, and focused on 'healing' him... 

Once he was finished he steadily pulled away his hands, "That should be enough."

 It was slow but a bruise was slowly showing on his cheek. As did a dark blue stain began forming around his shoulder. From Morphine's view, he would see injuries appearing on the fox's body; where visible, mirroring on his body where their own wounds used to ache and sting.

Morphine

It felt good, and the sight of Morgane's emotional struggle was adding to it tenfold. He noticed every time he'd feel Morgane's hands they would be so so cold. In fact his entire body felt unusually cool. Something to add to his personal database later. 

Despite his clear discomfort, the fox too maintained eye contact the entire time, locking them both in this curious staring contest, until something else caught Morphine's attention. 

He immediately let him go the moment he noticed his own injuries somehow getting transferred onto Morgane's body. 

"H-how... Whyyy..."

Morgane

"... Like I said... It's unreasonable to harm you and then have you cooperate with me. I'm taking responsibility for that..." 

He turned quickly to return to his desk at his station, eager to get lost in his work. His tails grabbing the first aid nearby to treat himself, at least the fresh bite that appeared on his shoulder to staunch the bleeding as he sat himself down. Continuing where he left off as his fingers found the keys and started typing into it rapidly. All the while his tails maneuvered around his coat, removing his bandage and applying a fresh one. Glimpses of his body showing here and there in it's quick work. 

As he worked he spoke aloud, "If you're feeling better then I'm expecting progress, Doctor."

Morphine

"...Thank you" There was really nothing more to say. Once again the atmosphere felt heavier, as if no matter what, Morgane wouldn't have appreciated any further comments or socialising. 

He began to recognise the moments he's expected to drop the conversation. 

It was time to get back to his seat. Despite that his third eye remained fixated on the fox... and the strange patterns on his body Morphine managed to spot from afar. They looked like some sort of scarifications.

Ohhh how can he get even more exciting..... 

He felt so teased... Keeping up this game, this charade, playing 4D chess, when incapacitating him should be so easy.... 

So close and yet... so far…

-- Day 4 –

Morphine

Whatever Morgane has done to him the day before it admittedly sped up the process of healing. He wasn't a big fan of not knowing how exactly it worked, but felt appreciation nonetheless, not to mention feeling his gentle touch again…

It was time to leave the lab and continue with the routine. Jack was given examination, food and a schedule covering at least part of his regular shift as per usual. 

He was tempted to bring another type of fruit with him but... Decided to keep it an inconsistent surprise instead. Perhaps a reward…

Morgane

Morgane was already typing away at his station when he arrived. Seemingly unbothered by yesterday's events as he didn't turn to glance his way when Morphine entered the lab. Though that wasn't unusual of him. 

On Morphine's desk however, was a yerba mate, some papers that were likely an update report documenting the antimutagen's status of development, and... (if he recognizes them) a lunch box of rice balls and small rice cakes. 

One of them made with black rice and dried seaweed wrapping that was shaped to look suspiciously like the fruit he'd given him before.

Morphine

He approached the fox, rested a hand on his shoulder with confidence of an already established ritual, then handed him the daily cup of coffee. 

"Good morning, Dr. Morgane~" 

Touch, eye contact, gentle smile, soft tone of his voice; he made an effort to appear trustworthy, to seem like an ally, a friend, someone he could rely on. He would also try to mask his scent better, shower very thoroughly each morning, wearing fresh clothes. He noticed an unfamiliar object placed on his desk, his head tilted on instinct and he began walking towards it. The lid covering the box was transparent revealing the gift inside. Seems like the fox was more eager to return the favours than he initially assumed. How far could he push it, how much more is he willing to reciprocate... he wondered. 

"This... looks familiar~" he exclaimed enthusiastically, sensing he made an impact on Morgane with yesterday's gift.

Morgane

His eye flickered to his hand when he heard him approaching. His ears twitching at the contact, momentarily flattening against his head before slowly lifting back to their normal position. His brows furrowing as the alien continued to approach him, but otherwise he didn't say anything about it or respond to him. Simply continuing his work. 

He had to admit that he wasn't trying hard enough in putting and enforcing the distance and boundaries between them. He almost considered reciprocating a greeting back if he hadn't resolved yesterday to stay focused on the project at hand. 

...He made this resolution after he couldn't exactly move on from yesterday's events. He found himself pondering throughout the day that... 'embrace.' That overly long eye contact. Sharing a fruit. 

Something about that attachment his mind seemed to have to that memory, replaying it over and over throughout the rest of that day... It made him uneasy. 

He was pulled out of his thoughts to Morphine's exclamation. 

Right…

Despite his desire and insistence on having none to minimal interactions. He'd somehow ended up in this... Odd cycle of exchange. He'll have to be more on guard, he supposes. Don't let it become more than whatever this is between them... 

"It's just for yesterday. That's all. If you don't like it, give it to Jack."

Morphine

He began investigating it closely after opening the lid. Everything about it was so neat and precise, it looked and smelled fresh, there was care put into it... Not just that, it was handmade with him in mind, it felt very personal and made the alien all giddy inside. Due to being perceived as an eccentric individual even by his own kind back home he wasn't used to the kind of connection Director, Jack and Morgane seemed to form. Even if it was purely transactional, it felt welcoming instead. 

"Forgive me for interrupting, but... This is rice, correct?" He carefully pried the one resembling alien fruit open to inspect it further. "What's the wrapping around it? Is it edible too?"

 He kept it close to his face, his tentacles lifted around it as if they were a swarm of eels inspecting it too. 

There was still much work to be done before the end of the week, but his curiosity as usual got the best of him and he had to get all the questions out first before once again he would plunge into silent focus. It was incredibly hard for him to prioritise work... and by extension even his own survival around him... So sooo reckless indeed. He could not make any sense of it, hoping it would stop once he gets to research him thoroughly…

Morgane

For a moment it seemed like he wouldn't answer him, his hands typing away without stopping, the silence stretching out indefinitely... 

"...Yes." He should ignore him, this isn't a work related question. "It's dried salted seaweed. It's edible as well." This is a waste of time.

Prying it open like the fruit he gave him, under the black rice and seaweed cover, it showed a colorful rainbow assortment of sushi rice, slices of mango, and salmon carefully and methodically packed inside. Made in such a way that when pulled apart it would retain it's shape quite like the wedges of the fruit. 

He ended up making that because it stayed quite stuck in his thoughts yesterday. How to return a unique gift(?)... He wasn't sure, but perhaps the effort and appearance of familiarity may be enough to convey his appreciation for sharing something... quite thoughtful. Plus the other few more normal but still varied rice balls and rice cakes to keep it company. 

"Under the rice and seaweed, they have fillings inside such as shrimp tempura, marinated beef, and spicy sweet grilled chicken. The rice cakes have red bean and sweet potato..." He huffs under his breath, irritated with himself. Explaining all this to him. He could have done it another time. It was such a long time since he was so confused with himself and his own actions. It made that part of him that was gone so much more apparent. 

He had learned that... A lot of his awareness of his own emotions became harder to understand without his sense of touch. His patience being thin due to hunger. His sudden bursts of mania from lack of sleep. The complete lack of his insides twisting from stress. 

He was so lost with himself. And whatever he was feeling around him... Confused him so much. He didn't know what was wrong with himself.

Morphine

It was so pretty it was almost a shame to eat it. He tried a few bites, sampling each type Morgane just described. Once again he would let out moans of satisfaction, one after another accompanied by some strange mumbling in his own language breaking the silence. One thing was clear he was enjoying himself, trying to hold back from eating it all in one go. He wanted it to last the entire day. 

"Thank you for the ♪~⁓♪." He quoted the fox then did his best to focus on work. Measuring, weighting, testing, adjusting all the formulas they were tasked to make by the Director. There were many different and highly specific ones to make, and the scientists had to make sure they would have a lasting effect of minimum 24h. The base for them was ready and concentrated enough. 

The director would get a report of each major step in the process. It would most likely take them only two extra days, then they would schedule to test directly on him. 

Today was meant for highly precise work. It would require some finesse, prior knowledge of alien technology and in this case... a lot of communication no doubt. Even though Morgane got very familiar with new ingredients and their interactions during the past few days, he'd have to now use tools and machines he has never seen before... and Morphine was more than ready to walk him through it.

Morgane

“Hm.” Was all he said in acknowledgment. Keeping his focus on the screen, though this wasn’t enough to keep his mind preoccupied from having more thoughts.

Such thoughts being that he was glad he seemed to enjoy them. By that he means he didn’t seem to be having any allergies or disagree with any of them in texture and taste. Not that it matters all that much if he did like them or not. Or that he worried about it in the least if he didn’t… He needs to stop thinking about this so much. 

It would take an unseen effort to ignore all the happy moans and trills that came from the vocal alien to do just that. And as he did his best to tune him out, a few of his tails unoccupied with tasks subconsciously wagged behind him as they worked in silence. 

As Morphine worked on the base, Morgane had mostly worked on identifying and isolating the specific genetic strands to be targeted by the antimutagens (this of course would need a tedious amount of fine tuning and testing further down the line). Along with creating a mutagen inhibitor that would slow and temporarily stop his adaptations from occurring. 

This was more difficult than it conceptually seemed. It was similar to an allergic reaction but the director's cells were far more aggressive in absorbing, learning, and quick to trigger an adaptive response and inputting that information into his genetic blueprint. It was tricky but he had managed to slow the samples response down in his tests and simulations. Now it required stronger compounds and synthesis to be utilized and then keep his data updated on the director’s adaptation response to correlate future batches of inhibitors that would still be effective after its initial use. 

…He was reluctant but he had to acknowledge that they were approaching, quite on schedule, using Morphine’s technology and machines to speed up the process. Which he’d have to learn and communicate with him. No doubt the technology required his supervision to function and since the inhibitors were managed by him in its creation, he would have to be stuck to his side. Closely. 

How. 

Nice……..

Morphine

Everytime Morgane wagged any of his tails he would make a mental note of it. In fact all of his reactions were closely observed by the third eye at all time. A extra study on top of the pressing matters. A form of entertainment. 

He would continue working at faster pace, time to time checking on Morgane's progress among short breaks for sip and snack. He felt growing excitement stirring in his gut at the thought of the next stage of their collaboration. It had his body tremble and twitch at random. But it was nothing out of ordinary. 

They spent most of that day in silence, working hard, getting far with their progress. It was tedious and time consuming. Finally with a click of a pen, the alien announced his part of the process is all done. He then called Morgane over with a welcoming gesture. A hand wave and a gentle smile, like a teacher eager to teach his new student.

Morgane

Well, it was about time. He was thankful for the moment of peace but they had to move on. 

He walked over to him but mentally he was dragging his feet. Although he would learn new knowledge and technology, it wasn’t enough to completely mute out his inner distaste at getting close to him. He made sure to keep the alien updated with his work and make necessary changes and corrections where needed. But he was still largely responsible and needed to oversee the processes of both their procedures to make this work smoothly. Their formulas had to work together quite like them. Hahh… 

“I’ll be in your care.”

Morphine

| "I'll be in your care." 

...he didn't have to phrase it like that, and yet... he did. Was it an expression? A submission? Something else? He was so confusing to read. Acting so friendly, full of curiosity and enthusiasm, yet treating him with cold distance... then saying this? Was that a necessary step? Is this simply courtesy or more... Maybe that's what the fox meant when he said he doesn't know how to act around him, he wondered. He certainly didn't know how to react but a flash of deep saturated purple revealed his sudden rush of excitement at the sound of that. 

"I'll be your caretaker~" 

Is this what he expected to hear back? Doesn't matter. The alien meant what he said, one way or another. 

It took him a while to go over each piece, component and tool, he attempted at translating their names or simply came up with some new earthly equivalents, whatever made the most sense for communication's sake. Some pieces of his technology had to be replaced with earthly substitutes. All of it looked like a patchwork of desperate survival. Still, it functioned correctly, just... not as efficiently. He complained but threw no shade this time.

Morgane

He sometimes did this, the changing of his colors and patterns. What did they mean? Did it mean anything? Temperature? Mood indicators? Camouflage? 

| “I’ll be your caretaker~” 

… Why did he respond like that. Odd alien. Maybe it was a translation issue. Well, never mind it, as long as he was properly teaching and guiding him in the use of his extraterrestrial resources and diy macgyver’d technology, they should succeed. 

As he went over the components and tools, he had to commend him on his ingenuity to adapt. It was as efficient as it possibly could be and got the job done. But it was clear this still wasn’t the best it could be in the alien’s drive of his ideal efficiency. He must have worked with amazing equipment before. If he was willing to accept more… Unconventional (in his standards) types of resources, it could vastly improve and help him, while saving on the budget. But that’s a discussion and topic for another time. Things are progressing smoothly so far and he honestly didn’t want to disturb this pace of progress. 

He asked his occasional questions. Absorbed the information. Then he was quick to apply this knowledge almost like he knew it his whole life.

Morphine

His eyes sparkled at the speed in which Morgane was able to apply new knowledge. He wasn't like other earthlings, he looked human shaped enough, an anthropomorphic form, a chimera? a hybrid? failed experiment? The more time he spent with him the more he just wanted to simply ask... what are you? But the thrill of finding that out by himself was just too enticing. Besides... not like he would get an answer anyway. It's never just that easy. 

He would info dump for a while, explaining what they are about to do with the use of each tool. A complicated chemical process, involving futuristic ways of purifying, extracting and distilling among others. Some of it could operate only through the use of tentacles or a hand hole otherwise the machine wouldn't even start, work or simply cause injury. 

One particular set of equipment needed a very delicate touch. In simpler terms It would cause the liquid to drip down through a filter into a flask containing a chemical. Due to macgyvering it, it was quite finicky too. One would have to simply... feel it out, and without such sense it could prove difficult or even dangerous. He made sure to communicate it to Morgane, leaving the last bit out. "I'm going to touch you again, I need to make sure you get it right for your safety" 

He then led his hand to the piece he was meant to rotate and put his hand over Morgane's to demonstrate, while having his chest almost pressed flush against his back. His right hand would rest on the other side of the table, making it so the fox was now "trapped" between his arms.

Morgane

He grimaced as the alien guided him, seeing their hands touch before focusing on learning how to use the machine. 

His fur was bristling. His heart rate picked up. The weight and feel of Morphine's back caused him to inadvertently shiver. 

And Morgane himself was completely unaware of this reaction from his own body. 

Unable to see him now had him quietly stressed. He had to keep still. No sudden movements. Keep his reactions in check. 

With growing troubling realization, this position they were in, he became so much more aware of him. His remaining senses unintentionally focusing on him. From his breathing to his voice, too close, as he talked him through the process. His scent, muted with distance, was now permeating his space, this cage of their larger body, surrounding him. It was suffocating. 

Being in this lab together was already enough. Being this close and thinking about him this much... It was so unnerving. "I believe I understand it, so if you would move back." He wanted out of this situation.

Badly.

Morphine

There was admittedly a bit of sadistic satisfaction taken from feeling him shiver underneath him like that. His body so small, his heart beating so fast. It made him think of a bird trapped in a cage panicking around a predator. He had to hold himself back from teasing him, or else they would no doubt end up in another fight…

It was soo soooo tempting. 

Morgane's hands had a very distinct texture, as if they were covered in scar tissue, but smoother towards the tips of his pointy fingers as if it was filled down. He would smell different under stress too... 

It was intoxicating... 

Without thinking he lowered his head right above the back of his neck, took a deep breath, then played it off as an irritated sigh, stretched his neck forward and levelled with him at the side of his face. 

"Would you please let me demonstrate first, you're making this weird..."

Morgane

He couldn't help audibly scoffing at what he said. Him? Making this weird? As far as he knew, he was keeping perfectly still, letting him touch him and move his hand to "show" how to use this machinery. All of it in vain since he can't feel anything. As much as he fumed underneath, all that was expressed or hinted at such emotions was a twitch of his ear and the narrowing slit pupils of his eyes. 

"Very well, but do hurry." There was an underlying threat in that tone. As much as they were... "getting along" that time was still quite brief, and the feeling and desire to see him planted into a wall was steadily growing.

Morphine

He rolled his eyes and softly pressed down on his fingers to turn the mechanism. 

"Just. like. so..." 

Then gently turned it the opposite way. 

As soon as they were done he took his hand away and freed him by stepping aside. 

"Are you doing alright?" he titled his head "Your heart is beating like crazy..."

Morgane

He was quick to take a couple steps himself to get away from him, briefly glaring at him at the mention of his heart beat before looking away. Unwilling to meet his eyes as his cheeks unknowingly tinted in color. 

"I'm fine." He was so irritated. So annoying. So infuriating. 

He lightly trembled from the effort to contain and calm this swell of confusing emotions. "I'm... Fine." He repeated. This one, sounding not as sharp, his tone low, it was almost like it was aimed more towards himself than saying it to Morphine. 

"Is this everything?" He looked around at the other equipment and machines. Having memorized what he was told and piecing together how the others may be used.

Morphine

"We can take a breather if it's overwhelming you..." He took a step forward. 

"you're shaking and you're flushed again..." 

He took another step, now lowering his body to meet his eye level 

"Would you like me to check your vitals?"

Morgane

His ears flattened against his head as he mirrored his movements, stepping back as he kept stepping closer. 

"I said I'm fine." 

His fur bristled as his fangs were starting to peek out with his expression shifting into an aggravated snarl.

"I'm shaking because you're pissing me- wait..." The indignant anger fell from his face as his eyes glanced around, as though processing what he just heard, muttering to himself, "Flushed? Again?" He looked momentarily confused, worried, brows knitting trying to understand. A hand raising halfway towards his face, the motion seemed uncertain of itself so it just hung in the air before dropping back to his side. 

He returned his gaze back to him, with a hard glare, "No. Please keep your focus on the project, Doctor."

Morphine

"...fair enough~ I'll get your chair." 

He then walked past him and fetched him a seat, all the while keeping an eye on him. 

"I need to make sure you're alright, it's expected we look out for each other in a lab environment. And besides that, I wish to understand you better." 

He sighed "Well, regardless of that here's how the rest of it works..." With that he continued explaining the making of specific formulas for the rest of anti-mutagen patterns. 

From time to time he would make Morgane participate or repeat certain steps. 

Next they would begin making a first bulk of blockers that would let director receive painkillers and anesthetics.

Morgane

He had no response to that. Keeping his mind on the work and processes that needed his attention. This was comfortable. Predictable. It had clear wants and needs and outcomes. 

Him... 

He was... Quite stumped on how to respond to him. It was confusing, he was confusing, but he didn't need to know that. Looking out for each other in a lab environment? Obvious and expected. But understand him better? What was the point? What more did he need to know besides that he could do his job and do it well in whatever was asked of him. In anything he didn't know he would learn and learn fast. In his mistakes or what he lacked he made up for at least three-folds over. 

...He's getting close because he wants something. Likely close to how he may have been with the director. If he gets him that helmet and transfer supervision to him he should ease up. He doesn't like the look in his eyes. He knows how destructive he can be but still approaches him too close. Talking so casually with him. Touching him. He doesn't like it. He doesn't like him. 

Morgane It was quiet for a moment with the exception of the sounds of typing, light clinks of vials and samples being moved around, materials being tested and equipment turned on to be used, filling the background as muted ambience. He glanced from Morphine to the coffee, thinking, before taking another sip. "... This is quite... Similar to how the Director makes coffee for me." His tone soft and thoughtful as though he wasn't speaking to the alien but himself, "Perhaps you two may be more alike than I was willing to let myself see it..." He placed the cup down, sighing himself, "After our altercation, I'd say we're quite... 'Even' so, it's fine. If anything... I do not know how to... Be around you." Unintentionally, he realized he pulled his tails closer to himself with the rising feelings of insecurity and the stress of recalling his past, "... I've let myself be influenced by ghosts of my own past. I can't say my actions may not have all been fair towards you, as I'd believed I was." His expression turned more somber, "Regardless of being aware you have no relation to them... I cannot do better by you equally. Besides exceptions such as now, we'd be better off keeping our distance as much as possible. And don't worry, for your equipment and technology, they will be transferred under the Director's management."

Morphine I don't know how to be around you - even though this sentence was at the forefront of his mind now he would not comment on it, after all Morgane's confusion would be useful in the long run, there is no need to make it easier for him, and it would be much more convincing if the conclusions were his own than anything he says now. He will aid him indirectly... for now. "hmm..." He began to focus on the first stages of his work for today. A to do list in front of him, everything meticulously planned. Some further experimentation, mostly physical labour to prepare all the ingredients in the right proportions. It's a trial and error stage. After a moment of thought he broke the silence. "Who is "them" you speak of? I remember you mentioning your home not being safe."

Morgane "Other than your work that inquiry is a waste of your breath, your time, and your focus, Doctor." His response was immediate, harsh, the fur on his body bristling, "I mentioned them out of weakness back then, that's my mistake, but you'd best forget about it." The pen in his hand as he wrote sounded rough. No doubt it was taking quite some self restraint not to write through the paper and etch into the desk itself. ... Fucking hell... ... Calming down, as his fur settled some time later, his tone numb and cold, "Involving yourself further with me is inviting misfortune. The less you know, the safer you'll be."

Morphine "How considerate~ and yet, here we are! I'm curious what makes you so sure about my future misfortune?" He turned towards him eagerly awaiting response.

Morgane His back to him, his expression was out of view, but his ears on his head lowered just so slightly, "... I've witnessed it far too many times. You'll be no different."

Morphine "Fair enough" The fox gave him nothing to work with, but a lack of information was nothing new to him and didn't scare him off. His curiosity would not falter. He did not plan to honour Morgane's request. It's simply him playing it smart and holding back when there is not much to gain from the conversation yet. They are strangers after all and courtesy demands not to pry, and even though their words sounded ominous, they were full of magical thinking and the result of a traumatised mind, nothing else. He would not believe that getting closer to him would bring him bad luck. That's superstition. That's illogical. Despite the lack of straight answers the alien could notice there is still a great deal of fear in him. Clearly been through a lot, perhaps loss, a cause of unfortunate events? He would speculate while continuing his work, his hands moving elegantly with great efficiency, precision and purpose. No movement was wasted, there was no hesitation, he would move almost mechanically. His focus split between over 30 appendages moving simultaneously and a storm of thoughts. "If you have any questions, ask."

Morgane He kept to himself the rest of the day they were there with few work related questions and nothing else. Both focused on their research and tests, their private thoughts kept quiet in the background, until it was the end of their respective clocks. He had nothing to say to the alien. Intent on keeping things as minimal as possible between them. He was aware the other no doubt would attempt to make conversation it seemed. As close as he had gotten with the director, even he had gotten little to nothing about his past. That wasn't going to change any time especially with him. 

--Day 2--

Morgane He’d gotten there at the usual time, though in hand he held a cup of tea. Yerba Maté, to be exact. Why. He didn’t have to. …He really wasn’t obligated to reciprocate a drink with one in return. He’d asked Jack about it and they responded by describing this particular drink. He really shouldn’t. If anything this would encourage him to be more sociable towards him. But he hated having loose ends. Receiving and feeling in any form of debt. As he struggled internally about it, one thought stood out like a beacon in a storm. The coffee was nice. …He wordlessly left the cup on Morphine’s desk before he went to his own station.

Morphine He'd keep this new routine up for as long as they work together. "Goooood mooorning~" A loud greeting upon opening the door with yet another coffee in hand, a gentle smile as he'd approach Morgane's station to leave it on his desk. "Let's hope today goes as smoothly as yest-" - he stopped mid sentence at the sight of a reciprocated favour. "Ohhh~ Doctor Morgane! You didn't have to!"

Morgane Seeing the coffee he brought and placed on his desk, along with his reaction made him grumble to himself softly. Glancing to the side to look at anything but him. Annoyed.

"Yeah, I shouldn't have."

He'd mumble to himself already feeling pangs of regret. Aggravating. Irritating. He's so... Ughh- In favor of ignoring him as much as possible, he sent in his data from yesterday to be reviewed while working on recording and testing the next set and adjusting dosages and reworking the formulas as necessary. Burying himself in the work than dealing with him.

Morphine A wave of orange and yellow tones would travel over his body with the first couple of sips followed by a loud satisfied moan.  "It's even my favourite type!" He would stare directly at him starry-eyed, his ears shaking from excitement. Finally he could let his professional mask slip a little, given this opportunity to express gratitude.

He'd however drop it quite quickly upon detecting Morgane's lack of enthusiasm. It was most likely only transactional to him, nothing more, but it would start a chain of transactions Morphine planned on drowning him in. He noticed the data report Morgane sent over and immediately sat down to read through it, with short breaks for sips and numerous sounds of satisfaction. "Well done, Doctor, well done~" - He commented in a low tone. The fox is no doubt a quick learner, on top of that a precise and efficient one, traits Morphine adored.

Morgane With every sound he made his ears flattened further against his head to muffle him out. Does he have to be so vocal? It's not that good. It's nothing special. It's just tea. Shut up. | "Well done, Doctor, well done~" -Crack- His ears perked up as he looked around the room in confusion, startled at the sound... Before slowly looking down, hearing light drops hitting his desk to see his bloodied hand, shards of glass slicing into his palm and beginning to form a small puddle of dark blue blood. He'd crushed an empty beaker in his hand. He was bewildered. How did this happen? And then he felt all too many emotions surfacing at once. Embarrassment. Confusion. Anger. Resentment. Frustration. The list went on... He picked at his flesh to pull out the bits of glass. Despite his feelings, he reigned in his expression on revealing nothing.

Unaware of the lightest flush that had spread across his face.

Morphine The sudden loud sound caught him off guard and made him jump in his seat. He quickly turned towards the source of it and a familiar shade of blue caught his eye immediately. "OH!-" As if on instinct he stood up and rushed towards his coworker holding a first aid kit. He acted quickly, removing any opportunity for Morgane to interrupt him. In a blink of an eye he was ready to take over the task of removing the glass and he did not hesitate to take a strong hold around Morgane's wrist. It didn't take long, he moved with skill, making sure to be gentle and thorough.

"Please, allow me" He said with a flat yet concerned tone of a professional. Once again without giving Morgane any opportunity to oppose him, he pressed his tongue firmly against his wounds.

Morgane The taste of his blood was more intense than those he'd been sampling from his used bandages. Almost akin to a cold shot of caffeine shocking through his system before burning warmly, pleasantly on his tongue.

His eyes widened as Morphine gripped his wrist, an animalistic growl escaped his throat before he could understand what exactly was going on.

The following action of him licking his cut puzzling him more than anything, snapping him out of his territorial behavior to keep his personal space to a low throaty grumble, analyzing him.

"... What... What the hell are you doing..." He wanted to pull away his arm but the oddity of the situation had him hesitate. He also wanted to avoid hurting him again anytime so soon.

Yet.

Morphine "Shhh... It's okay, I'll be quick" Unaware of how weird that must have looked, he kept disinfecting the wounds until they were completely clean.

"My spit works better than any antiseptic this facility stores, in fact the Director ordered me to store it too, haha"

He attempted at lightening the mood then immediately began stitching the deeper wounds kneeling in front of him. His third eye fixated on his lack of reaction to pain.

"Can you not feel this?"

Morgane ... He supposes that helps with budgeting the costs for antiseptics but it still sounded quite unsanitary. But with all the odd creatures he knew out there, this wasn't the oddest. So the thought was hushed as quickly as it came. Instead a very understanding hum left his mouth, "I see..."

He wanted to pull his hand away. He could try faking it but that'd only work on someone less experienced in practicing care. And for Morphine? It would be a dead giveaway.

"...You could say I have a high tolerance for it."

He couldn't make eye contact with him. Simply watching him stitch the wound close and wait for him to finish.

...He had to admit to himself. His hands were quite dexterous in their work. Diligent. Practiced. It was... Entrancing to watch him work the needle away. Was he always like this?

"...Your patients probably wouldn't feel it either. You're very good at this." He spoke rather softly, as though vocalizing his thoughts subconsciously.

Morphine "Ahh, high pain tolerance, understood~" he giggled to himself. Then with his last comment he was now fully convinced Morgane was only aware of the "pain" in his hand.

He would keep working on the sutures in silence until all the wounds were taken care of. Morgane's compliance pleased him the most among the praise and entranced look on his face. He almost wanted to drag it out, to enjoy this rare moment but he had to remain professional or else Morgane would grow even more suspicious.

"Aaand we're done!" The smile widened on his face as he shifted his body weight slightly further, now audibly crushing Morgane's paw under his prosthetic knee.

"Ohh! Oh no! I'm incredibly sorry!" Smile almost disappeared from his face, making himself smaller, his body covered by a pale shade of green.

"I-I can't feel these you see.." He'd point at his legs, covering a lie with a continued convincing display of acting prowess.

Morgane His expression of surprise upon hearing his foot breaking was muted down as his brows furrowed hard.

But otherwise he didn't have anything to say except, "...It's alright. It was an accident." He sighed. Looking at his foot. Bending his toes and hearing some cracks as they tried to bend properly. His expression looked tired and annoyed but lacked any worry or visible signs of discomfort.

"I suppose you're lucky it's just me. Anyone else would be severely handicapped for a while... Just be more careful next time." His tails gathered under him and easily lifted him off the ground, the sight almost akin to a spider.

"I'll be taking my leave early to deal with this... Hopefully tomorrow we'll have less incidents."

Morgane

His ears flattened hearing his usual entrance... 

Obnoxious. Loud. 

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

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

Morphine

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

Morgane

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

Morphine

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

Morgane

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

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

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

 ...Last chance. 

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

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

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

Why? 

Spoiling me? What for? Why me? 

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

Why though? 

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

These were emotional reactions. But on what? 

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

He's not supposed to be pretty. 

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

It was part of his punishment.

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

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

...... 

....

... Happy?

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

Morphine

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

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

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

Morgane

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

Sort of. 

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

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

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

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

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

Kill him. 

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

He doesn't understand. 

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

or so he thought... 

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

--Final Day-- 

Morgane

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

Right? 

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

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

"I find them all very pretty..."

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

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

"I find them all very pretty..."

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

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

What... Is he... To do…

Morphine

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

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

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

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

starting with another cup of coffee.

Morgane

"I find them all very pretty..." 

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

Obviously he has to be lying.

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

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

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

-Bang bang bang bang- 

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

Morgane 

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

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

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

Truthfully it does very little.

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

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

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

He walks by his side to the lab.

Director

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

Morphine

"HI! HELLO! OH- UHmmhhhhh..." 

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

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

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

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

Director

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

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

Director

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

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

Morgane

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

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

Morphine

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

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

He took a peek inside the lunch box…

Director

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

Morgane

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

Director

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

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

Everything could finally go back to normal. 

Morphine

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

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

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

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

Director

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

[don't fight]

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

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

Morphine

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

Morgane

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

Why was he this close? Leave him alone.

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

Here?! 

This little snake. 

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

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

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

Morgane

"Yesterday..." 

He mumbled the word out softly.

"I find them all very pretty..."

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

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

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

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

How was he supposed to explain any of this? 

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

Morphine

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

He's so scared...

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

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

well, 

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

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

Morgane

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

Does he want him to know? 

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

He had to be... 

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

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

Morgane

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

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

That phrase as well...

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

He would make such a pretty pet…

Morgane

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

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

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

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

–Time skip–

Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

Director

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

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

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

Director

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

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

After being checked he'd slowly get up stretching.

Morphine

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

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

Morgane

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

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

And then he left.

Director

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

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

Morphine

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

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

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

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

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

Morgane

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

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

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

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

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

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

How strange he is. 

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

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

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

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

Morphine

"I'm not planning on it... Hoping we can get some proper work done today." He said with a soft tone lacking his usual insulting attitude, then noticed some of his own bandages slipping and revealing the stitches. He quickly adjusted them, fixing Jack's first attempts at patching him up then hurried up behind the fox.

Morgane

His ear flicked, indicating he heard him and proceeded forward. He couldn't brush aside the wariness and caution he felt around the alien immediately, this instinct urged him to keep his distance, second guess every word that came out of his mouth, his mannerisms, everything. But if what he said before was true... It wasn't his fault. He was acting on an unfair prejudice towards him on scent alone.. The thought pricked and twisted him inside his conscience. Something of guilt and frustration. His expression continued to show nothing despite the warring thoughts underneath. He... Doesn't need to be friendly with him. But at least comparatively to before, he could be more courteous with him. "...... Yes." That word alone was a struggle. Other than reacting back at him with rage or exasperation. He was... At a loss of how to engage in small talk with him.

Morphine

The mechanical sounds of pistons in alien's legs became faster trying to keep up with Morgane as they began walking side by side now. He could not miss the chance to take a better look at him every opportunity he's got, despite his best efforts to make himself seem non-threatening. Looking ahead yet carefully scanning his body with thin pupil of their third eye with perfect straight posture he began fixing his hair to look more presentable. As they continued walking in silence, the perfectly aligned sheets of paper in his hands crinkled under a light pressure. "Don't overexert yourself either, I think your ribs may be fractured or worse, it must hurt a lot"

Morgane

Why are you asking? Is what he almost says on reflex. He forces his mind to quiet down. Whatever thoughts and feelings are going on inside him, he can't let it slip outside. As unnerved as he feels around him... Going forward he needs to act better. Give him a chance. "................. I'm fine." ... Well... It's not like they need to make conversation. Or be friends. His thoughts turn to the Director and his needed treatment. The files and documents running through his mind.

Morphine

"If you say so~" He stretched his arms then checked on the mechanisms of his new prosthetic, everything seemed properly connected and working. Few turns later they arrived at the door of the shared lab. After a brief eye contact and nod he opened the door. "Good morning Director!"

Director

A delay of reaction, the norm for him. A horn lifted to the door, and his head followed. He stood up from his lean and met the two. [Good Morning.] The two of them..especially morphine looked patched. They definitely fought… But…he wouldn’t address it. He believed he didn’t need to.

Morgane

"Morning." Moving to his side of the station, he straightened his lab coat and fixed his hair just like before. It was almost like a continuation before everything derailed. He'll keep his focus on the job at hand. "Dr. Morphine, you mentioned anti-mutagens to be used on the director. I would like to examine the data and the material itself if you have them. I'll be thorough but brief."

Morphine

He approached with his arm outstretched towards Morgane handing him the papers then headed to his own station and began browsing and organising his stuff again in preparation for work. Looking down he turned towards Director. "Apologies for delaying the examination Director, seems like dr. Morgane and I had some misunderstanding to clear up, we're all good now and ready to work."

Director

His horns wiggled at that. They did seem to be a little more quiet with each other. But maybe that was just for now. [Let's get to it then.] he would go to get into scrubs, folding his clothes to the side. He’d sit back down at the middle table. Allowing their time for set up.

Morgane

He only needed to flip through the pages once to have them memorized completely as he places the papers down. Following that motion, he went to acquire the needed tools, containers, and equipment to set up the lab to take samples and begin testing. His numerous tails taking on various tasks from recording data entry logs to prepping the many tools. "From your papers, Dr. Morphine, I can see you've been meticulous in the creation of your anti-mutagen. It has potential. So as to not waste further time and makeup the lost time for yesterday, we'll begin immediately... Prepare yourself, Director." He wasn't affected by anesthetics or most chemicals to make this procedure as painless as possible, so he could only give a general warning for the Director... And be fast with his hands. "I'll collect various tissue samples (worm and human host), blood, muscle, and bone marrow from you, Director, when you're ready." A tail placed a scalpel into his waiting hand. With a slight pause he glanced towards Morphine, "Do you have any objections to working with the samples I gather for you as I tend to the Director, Dr. Morphine?"

Morphine

He sat down at the opposite desk with a good view at the operating table and Morgane himself. Something about the way he moved was different from other earthlings. Behind his every move there was intention, purpose, precise calculation, it felt almost mechanical... forced and unnatural. His thoughts began drifting away back to their fight, his movements were different then... His fascination grew even bigger at the thought of pheromones interfering with his body even more severely than he initially suspected... Fascinating... The question made him snap back to reality. "No objections at all, please go ahead, I trust you know what you're doing" He remarked, noticing how fast he managed to read all that. Oh how he wished to analyse his brain functions... "I-I'll uhh load a pipette."

Director

The warning was highly appreciated. The muscle and the bone marrow would be the more painful of the samples to get. His horns lifted to help with keeping this body still enough so it wouldn't squirm, it was hard enough but he had practice before. [I'm ready.] Though the stutter from morphine did make him peak at him.

Morgane

It wasn't difficult but the process was always tedious. Lacking the ability to feel he had to become very particular with his hand/tail eye coordination and mental calculations from applying pressure, speed, distance and so on. Still, whether out of spite or his innate perfectionism, he would excel. And since his patient wouldn't suddenly attack him or try to run affected by his curse was a small grace of fortune that made this so much easier. With so many appendages working on him, Morgane quickly retrieved various clean samples almost all at once within a comically short amount of time. From his handling there was almost no pain, and treating the procedure after went just as smoothly. It was all precise with no wasted movements. "I've written down where the samples were taken from the subject, marked the cases they were stored in, and updated the data on the Director's physicals." He noted out loud, "You've gained more muscle mass since our last checkup."

Morphine

Whether it was the lack of sleep or his deep infatuation, observing him seemed to almost hypnotise the alien. It was clear he began to genuinely admire his precise work, smiling and nodding, even occasionally clapping his tentacles. Director was in good hands and seemed to trust him fully too. "I'll take it from here." He announced as he began walking towards the samples. After quickly fetching all the petri dishes with his tentacles he swiftly returned to his desk and began splitting them into even smaller samples. He began running multiple tests on each type of tissue. His lab set looked like a hybrid between human and alien technology, it was clear some parts had to be substituted. In spite of that he seemed fully familiar and comfortable with it by now. "This might take a moment since my equipment is incomplete..." Despite all the niceties he couldn't stop himself from complaining. "At least the painful part is over for you, Director" He turned towards him with a widening smile.

Director

He felt like he had overprepared a little. Morgane's work was as usual fast paced and easy to manage. Feeling hands over him to help hold him or move him to needed positions for the samples before it was done. He let out a small sigh, his eyes closed and his horns relaxing once it was all done. The praise from Morgane made him give a small smile, his horns pressed together. [Carrion has really helped with training.] His eyes went to follow the other doctor watching him work. When he said it was the end of the painful part he lifted a horn surprised. [Truly? This was much easier than expected.] Maybe having them work together had really sped up all the process. He was kind of glad Morgane had brought this up as a project. And a bonus was they weren't even fighting. Or well....not yet. He had cringed just a little at the equipment comment.

Morgane

As he held a thermometer to measure his temperature, he stopped to gingerly (the movements almost stiff and cautious if you weren't paying close attention) pet the director's head. The Director was his supposed "superior" in rank or position what have you. And his host body being in his forties... He should refrain from such actions. But he couldn't help feel the distance between their ages and experience, and indulge in this small action, this little affection he had for this being. A faint amused smile. And then he goes back to work. He doesn't linger. He couldn't. He shouldn't. So he doesn't. It's nice while it's there but that's as far as it'll go as he pulls away to focus on his next task. Respond. "... I'll review the equipment you deem necessary however I cannot authorize in giving all of your equipment back and permanently... Having such advanced technology at your disposal could provoke FEN intervention if they feel further threatened." He added on after some thought, his praise and cooperative behavior not lost on him (as odd and suspicious as it felt), to try and return it in some form, "So it's good we have a prodigious genius that can work with the handicaps around him and bring critical results. Anyone else would likely have said it was impossible or too difficult even if they had access to all your equipment, no? Well done." It... Was a bit manipulative. He still didn't know exactly how to interact with him... But he did mean it.

Morphine

He leaned back against the counter tilting his head with a smirk, his arms crossed. "I can tell you're trying to smooth me down with praise..." He let out a long dramatic sigh. "but... I will not argue on this any further, believe me or not I do care about FEN not getting involved in this and understand what's at stake, I wouldn't want to put facility in even more danger. As much as it inconveniences me I'm finding ways around it. HOWEVER! There is one tool in particular I need you to re-evaluate. My mask. It would help me immensely with my research, speed and efficiency during work. I believe it has been falsely labelled as a threat... Perhaps another instance of quick and shallow judgement?" He remarked hinting at Morgane jumping to conclusions about his scent.

Director

The gentle touch was enough to make the director feel better overall. This is what he meant when he talked about morgane being nice. It was small things like these that the director always appreciated. He listened to the two as he sat there like a good patient. His eyes traveling from one or the other. [Is there anything else I should be doing?] He asked interrupting the conversation.

Morgane

His pupils narrowed thin at Morphine but otherwise his expression remained unchanged. There it was again, inside he was feeling that complicated twist of guilt and frustration amongst many other emotions. But it was suppressed and pushed to retreat far into his psyche. It was easier this time around. Maybe yesterday worked as a bit of an outlet for him, somewhat, but it was easier. His mask thick like frost, cooling and numbing everything underneath. "I was being truthful but nonetheless my apologies." His tone was even, cold, automatic, "I documented and catalogued your equipment but it is FEN that ultimately decides in the end what is and isn't a possible threat. It is likely possible they are afraid of your advanced technology and resources that could be used and potentially weaponized against them. Or another instance of their many negligence. Despite my own input, they likely don't trust me either. But I will have the device re-evaluated to be returned to you as soon as possible." His attention turned to the Director. "You're doing well Director, please continue to be patient as we sort through the process. In the meantime, while I know you already log and keep a record on yourself, I'll be conducting my own examination of you while you're here."

Morphine

He couldn't contain his happiness, the sound of good news had him jump a little in excitement, he would dance right then and there if he didn't learn it's poor manners, he had to mask his true self a lot mimicking other earthlings, it was becoming a second nature. But it only proved to work in his advantage... Therefore he vowed to himself to continue this charade... at least around Morgane and Director who seemed to care about it. After all this was nothing to complain about in comparison to how much he had to pretend to be someone else in the past. Not only that. It proved itself useful and predictable which gave him a sense of control, and control meant comfort... "I am overjoyed, dr. Morgane! Thank you for considering it! I'm sure in time it will prove itself useful to you too~" He exclaimed excitedly in his usual high pitch, then like at the flick of a switch he returned into a deep state of focus checking on the progress of their experiment. Uncanny the speed in which his emotions would change sometimes.

Director

Director would green light Morganes' wishes for an examination. [please do so, thank you.] He’d become quiet. While he watched the two talk he did peek up at Morgane when he said he would give it another look. His horns wiggled away. He even bounced a little, that’s wonderful news. Samples were definitely showing signs of being affected. Spores and infected cells interacted with the mutagen. 

Morgane

Doubtful. But that comment he kept to himself. If anything, he was silently wary of that helmet since it was asked for specifically amongst his equipment. But he muted that unease. Trust. It is a leap of faith. From blood examinations, height, weight, the general normal physicals and some out of norm (supernatural) check ups such as searching over his body for any odd blemishes or marks with some unusual tools... The check up was finished smoothly as he handed the director his clothes to change back into.

Morphine

"...Ahhh, I see, good news!" He turned towards the other two. "Not that it's surprising, in fact it's better than I thought and will make the process faster" He stirred one of the samples and wrote multiple notes simultaneously using a few of his tentacles. "In simple terms, the issue stems from production of antibodies, It is very similar to how allergy works! Take painkillers as an example, harmless for the host, in some cases necessary. The moment it enters the body the worm acts almost like a secondary immune system overwriting the original one and attacks the allergen. In time it becomes more efficient and the painkiller has no effect on the body. Needless to say, most of the further testing can be done with director alone. Solution A) development of Director's immunity blockers for the host that will temporarily dull the receptors in the host's body. This will switch off all of the adaptations temporarily, good and bad. Solution B) Development of more precise blockers that can be administered in specific situations. It will take me much longer to make them but in this way director can have full control over each and every specific adaptation, even if temporary and chemically induced. That said, if there is ever a threat to Directors/host's health or life through adaptation - it is now a matter of developing a blocker and then taking it everyday~" He puts everything down, straightens his back and smiles widely. "I'll leave the decision up to you and then start working on testing potential side effects of blockers themselves"

Director

He'd begin to put on his clothes, one horn raised as he listened to the options. So that's how he worked. He was naturally neutralizing anything that came into his touch. His eyes moved to the side, thoughts of why though gnawed at the very back of his mind. He pushed it away as he thought of the two solutions presented. He could with Morphine's help create his own ability to turn on and off his adaptations by himself with the Solution A. It would turn off everything, allowing him to be susceptible to everything. He would be no better than just a normal creature of earth. Weak, easy to kill, FENS wet dream. But...if he could keep himself safe and sound for the time being. He would be able to have much more control. And that would be better in the long run. Solution B was a much safer route. Allowing him to just take medicine to easy specific ones. Allowing him to have more of the unnecessary adaptations out of the way. But it relied on medicine. Bottle Necking the situation so that if something happened to morphine or morphine decided to no longer wish to help, would that mean there would be no more of it. Not that it was bad for morphine though, he was thankful for him to even think of this and create it. Maybe morphine wanted him to depend on him more. He didn't mind that. Thinking long term, one Morphine finally figured how to cure himself. Would he leave? Head to wherever he wished to be? Then there would be FEN, they might want to have morphine create something that turns off all the adaptations too. Either or... This was a hard decision to make. [How temporary would it be? Do you have an estimate? And for the medicine, what resources would you need for it?]

Morphine

"Aiming for nothing less than 24 hours, I think it's quite realistic to achieve. It will take me less than two weeks to develop any of the presented options, given there are no further complications and setting aside some time for my own research and sleep. You don't have to decide now, give it a thought and if you have any further questions you can send me an e-mail. That said, I think we can start... how do you sayyyy... wrapping it up for today" He slowly began labelling everything meticulously, taking extra notes and packing things up all at the same time.

Director

Adjusting his coat, he felt pretty good about that answer. 24 hours. That might not be bad at all. He looked at the two, his horns lifted a little. He seemed pleased. [We can do that, Thank you both for helping me.] What a success. It was bumpy…but they managed it. And it went so fast. [you both were wonderful.] He would praise today's work, he…wasn’t going to mention yesterday. He did though want to address a small thing but they both seemed to be handling themselves. He swears morphines missing a tooth…and his bandages keep slipping. As for Morgane, his movements were stiff. He’ll do individual check in later.

Morgane

"Dr. Morphine... If you're willing to collaborate with me further by allowing me to be involved with your research and development process it should take even less time than two weeks." His tails taking on the form of hands typed a few fast keys into his computer. Shortly after his shadowy appendages withdrew, a printer nearby activated and began producing a series of documents. As soon as the last of the papers were printed out, he quickly retrieved them and held them out for the alien to take them. "While the foreign (alien) chemicals and your unique equipment is very different from most I've worked with, I'm quite adaptive and quick to learn." From reading Morphine's paper on the antimutagens, it seems he was able to begin formulating on the printed pages the compounds and chemical formulas, the breakdown and synthesis of agents that would be interacting with the director's genetic material and so forth, all the while giving the Director his physical checkup. "While those two solutions are a start, I would like to propose other possible solutions as well. One such solution being the possibility to delay the Director's adaptability with these antimutagens, a means of momentary interception, rather than turning them off. As a safety measure to prevent acquiring future maladaptations and perhaps giving him more time to adapt, the Director could train and understand his own body's processes." He loosened his coat and undid his ponytail, "But this can be a goal and a discussion saved for another time as I do have other assignments and tasks that require my presence. If you agree on my proposal, I'll be expecting a message from you soon, Doctor."

Director

His eyes widened at the possible third solution. To help delay his mutations and adaptations, so that he could take it more slowly and maybe prevent errors. Training and understanding his body more. He looked at his own hand. He would give a nod to Morgane. [Thank you, I'll take all of it into consideration.]

Morphine

He reached out to take the papers from fox's hand then immediately began to read through it. The text was full of educated guesses and assumptions however... Most of them were correct. A wave of yellow and purple flashed all over his body before he was able to catch himself slipping. This couldn't be better, the perspective of them working together on a project FOR FEW DAYS STRAIGHT?? MAYBE AN ENTIRE WEEK?? He could barely hide it, straining his body to control this storm of emotions so much he began to tremble. "I must admit... looking at this... I am very impressed." He began to scan the print yet again. "...Good job" his smile wide but different this time, more genuine glancing up at Morgane. "That said! I'd be delighted to join forces with you dr. Morgane, after all we are racing against the clock and it'll no doubt benefit us all. Your solution as a preventative measure could coexist with either of the corrective options I presented to Director. It'll provide us with time to develop new blockers should new undesirable adaptations occur." Ready to leave with notes, antimutagens and samples he straightened his back as his expression turned serious. "Gentlemen, I believe we all understand what this means. Should any of this information leave this room it'll put director in further danger from FEN. We need to put extra effort into securing and encrypting all data regarding this discovery as well as our further work. Do not take this lightly."

Morgane

Good job. For reasons he couldn't fathom, why, his mind repeated those two words like a broken record. As though the phrase was snagged on something and was now... Stuck. Unintentionally his gaze shifted, unable to meet his eyes. It was perplexing why he was reacting this way, why did his self control and discipline seemed to falter around him, why... He muted those tunneling rabbit hole thoughts, he needed to be in the present. There was much to do. "Of course." He hated it. Even though he, himself, suggested working together more and for security reasons they would need to limit work and data being done outside of this confining room, it frustrated him. These were necessary actions but it also felt like he was further cornering and trapping himself. And all this wariness. From him? He was being so so foolish. He headed to the door. "I'll be taking my leave first. If either of you need anything else, contact me through a message and I will respond as soon as I'm able, I must be going."

Director

His eyes followed the two quietly, a little wiggle of his horns. They were…getting along. Genuine compliments from both sides. That flash of colors, he'd have to record that later for data. He would nod to Morphine's wishes to keep this information quiet. [I will delay any reports on myself for now. I’ll leave it to you two.] Watching Dr. Morgane leave he offered a [have a good day.] he then peaked to morphine. [you have a good one too, I’ll also take my leave.] he would go to follow suit, a small wave to morphine.

Morphine

"See you later!~" a goodbye he rushed to shout out as the other scientist left the room. He wished to follow right after him and have another small talk on the way back but he stopped himself, it's time to play a long game and there is no need to rush considering how much time they are about to spend together in one room, alone... he quickly wiped drool sliding down his chin and turned towards director forcing himself to snap out of it again. "That went well!~"

Director

He peaked to morphine. [It did, very well, it was bumpy at first. I'm glad you two managed to urm...talk it out?] he asked at the end of that. [Are you doing okay?] he asked, turning around from the door, to look at him a little more closely. A horn lifting up to look fully.

Morphine

"I'm fine, I'm fine! And yes, we had some things to explain to each other, it should put his mind at ease" he said waving his tentacle in the air, his body drugged with a high dose of painkillers... "I just need a bit of sleep before I get back to work." He patted Director on the shoulder and slowly headed towards the lab himself. "I'll report to you in person as soon as we have something concrete, have a good night! uhmmm.. good morning!"

Director