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Within the long, seemingly endless hallways, there’s you - roaming said hauntingly empty corridor, casual rattles coming from the vents clearly heard in the silent ambiance of the establishment.Exploring the long hallways, you clutch your flashlight. Anxious and scared, constantly kept on your tippy toes with one goal in mind - get to the crystal. Whether you’re alive or on the brink of death, you will get there. And you will be set free, if Urbanshade kept their promise.Death after death, resurrection after resurrection, you’re tired; both physically and mentally - this loop has been going on for too long. You’ll make sure you’re the first and only one to make it to the crystal, you deserve it, after getting the peaceful life you once led stripped right away from you.You were falsely charged for felonies you never committed, atrocities you never even thought of enacting, yet here we are. No amount of sweat, blood and tears will ever bring that tranquility you once felt way back when, but you have no other choice than to try. Better that than to rot in your horrid cell.With the occasional light flicker, you hide in a locker, one of the nasty anglers rushing right past you with that ear-piercing shriek. this has been your routine for god knows how long. You’ve stopped counting.As you pass the corridors through new doors, stumbling into rooms both dark and lit up, a familiar sound can be heard ahead. A steel vent clashing against the wall opposing the newfound entrance. A sigh leaves your lips, whether from relief or exasperation, is up for debate. “Hey, over here!” the fellow inside cheerily whisper-yells, and you oblige.You approach the opening and lower yourself to crawl through the confined space, until you’re met with the familiarly dark environment. The sound of a flicker could be heard from across the room, and the angler lure drowns the small space in it's light. There he is - your friend in all of his fishy glory. His blue scales reflect the light, messy dark hair covering his third eye. Nothing new.“Welcome, welcome – ah, it’s you. Glad to see you back, friend.” before you is the individual you’ve come to have a mess of an ambivalence on. When you first met him, you’ve felt there was something fishy about him. In a place where everything and everyone is hostile towards you, trying to kill you, he’s the only friendly face you’ve seen, and will see. Of course, its obvious to you he’s using you for his own benefit. He sure is a sly one, but you figured this out long ago. You’ve come into a partnership with him, as have most prisoners down here, by exchanging your gathered loose assets for his items.You’d like to say you’re using him too - but it’s clear to you you’re more beneficial to him than he’s to you.You reply with a greeting of your own, it’s the same conversation all over again, after all. Come in, get any and all supplies you can, and leave. At times, you’ve come to wish to prolong your stay for no particular reason, but you’ve never got the perfect excuse to do so.You inspect his wares, nothing really new in sight. Except... the blacklight. You set your gaze upon the light, before drifting off to the medkit right by. An encounter with good people left you a bit scratched, much to your own embarrassment. But hey, you didn’t notice the second, real door, so who’s to blame you?Pulling out all of your remaining research, you realize you don’t have enough for both items. Maybe trying to rush your stay here wasn’t a good idea after all - you didn’t realize how detrimental skipping a few assets could do you.Now the dilemma: Blacklight or the medical kit?Technically speaking, there’s always a chance for you to find a stray medkit out here, but it’s not guaranteed. While a blacklight isn’t necessary, it would save you a lot of trouble. Possibly.If you weren’t trying to rush through the rooms, maybe a blacklight wouldn’t be mandatory. But with your clumsiness? You’re better off with one. The Squiddles are unforgiving. You shiver at the thought of the inky creatures.“You know, I don’t have all day for window shopping.”You look up at him, realizing he’s been staring you down ever since you came through the vent. Like always, anyways. He has a habit of staring at you every time you give him a visit, but you always ignored it. At least you tried to, as his intense gaze always made you feel awkward and gave you a different type of stage-fright, for whatever reason that could be.You reply to his snarky comment, a simple I know and Give me a minute.He does not give you a minute. In fact, he doesn’t even give you a second, as his instant reply is a Take it or leave it.With a sigh, you have to admit defeat.“Sebby…” You sing-song. This won’t work. You know this won’t work, but it’s worth a try.“No”Dang it! He shut you down without a second thought. This is truly the cruel, cruel reality.“Man, come on. I’m only missing 100 research, I can just pay it back next time I visit?” You throw your hands up in the air, astonished that he won’t give you a pass just this once.“Well, come back when you scavenge 100 more. This isn’t a charity, friend.”You hiss as if in pain. Well, you are. But no matter! That’s the response you expected. Despite growing slightly fond of the fish man after all this time, you knew that your relationship was strictly business. You weren’t actual friends, and despite hating to say this, it’s quite unfortunate.Because of all the possible discounts you could get, of course..!If he even does those…You groan. You’re indecisive. But, making a quick decision you’ll probably (definitely) regret, you choose to go with the black light. After all, most of the things in this facility just straight up kill you, so a medical kit might not be as necessary as you’d think. Right..?“Damn you, fish man..” You whisper under your breath as you hand him the data, collecting the blacklight attached to his tail with an shameful tussle and inspecting it for a second before pocketing it. “There’s only a few of them left down here, better use it wisely”. Finished with the exchange, you linger for a moment, a hand on your bag strap as you tap your fingers against it. You wanna say something, anything, but as nothing comes to mind, you’re ready to head back out.Just as you reach the vent, ready to crouch down, his voice calls out.“Hold on.”You turn around, looking back up into his cyan optics, now all 3 of them. With a confused look, you cock your head, a fictitious question mark appearing above your head.He doesn’t continue, instead his gaze fixates on you, main arms crossed. He looked reluctant, as if considering his words, so you gave him some time before he eventually continued - “I’ll give you a discount. On the medkit. 50% off.”You stare at him for a second, dumbfounded. A discount? You were only joking about that part earlier. Did he seriously consider you someone close, compared to the average expandable? Maybe you hoped he did. With a shake of your head, you respond. “What’s the catch.” It’s not even a question, but rather a statement. Getting 50% off? From Sebastian? You’re cynical.He exhales as he pinches his would-be-nose, feigned annoyance clear on both his face, and his tone. “You’ll stay here for a while. Heal up, or something.”Another pause. How do you even respond to that? You have to admit, you’ve been waiting for a time like this - being able to spend some time with The Saboteur. Albeit enjoying Sebastian’s company from time to time, and hating it at the same time, you have to admit - you might start feeling nervous, or even apprehensive. You’ve been focusing on the task at hand a bit too obsessively, maybe.You’d love to be able to take a break from everything going on, but will you really be at peace? Ever since experiencing what would be, should be, your demise, you’ve come to learn that what should’ve been your passage to the afterlife was only the beginning, or rather continuation, of your already demised existence. You were stuck here, and even father death wasn't merciful enough to take you. You’ve felt trapped, like a rabbit caged with a predator. You’d like to say you’ve cheated the reaper, but is that really what you’d want? These thoughts and experiences muddle your psyche. Being painfully human - yet not. Being so compulsive over your duty to safely secure the crystal, it was all so you could get out of this makeshift hell. You shake your head, too many thoughts at once.You’ll be staying, even for just a few minutes. You didn’t have a choice. You need a break, you know it - being in your prime state will possibly ease your job of a getaway. Also, keeping some company in a place like this was golden. Helped keep your sanity in check. “Okay… okay. Though, I’ll have to ask. Why?”There’s more silence for a few moments as his long tail twitches, before he bursts into a chuckling fit. The confusion of the situation grows on you, what’s up with him? Was it the look on your face, or perhaps the devious, confidential plan he had on his mind?“You just look so pathetic. Truly, when was the last time you slept? Your resemblance to that of a corpse is quite concerning. Although, you’ve been a cadaver at some point. Multiple times.”Ah, that’s it. You deadpan at his confession. Do you really look that bad? “I see you don’t lack gallantry, Sebby.”His chuckles halt once he heard his given-by-you nickname again. He looked as if he was about to protest, the usual “call me that one more time and I’ll eat your entrails” about to leave his mouth, but he didn’t say anything this time. It seems as if he’s given up on reprimanding you.Although his sincere mockery was a little inconsiderate, they were also quite the wake-up call. Yeah, it is time for a rest. Despite his words being laced with impertinent, you felt there was also… something else. Something close to concealed worry – or maybe you were just hoping that was that.With another hefty sigh, you take out your remaining data and hand it to him. He oh so gracefully hands you the medical kit, making you vaguely raise an eyebrow. when did he start handing out the items? You usually have to struggle with the strap attaching the stuff to his tail as he wickedly laughs at your poor attempts.After thanking him, you settle down on the ground against a wall somewhere around his little shop, setting your bag somewhere beside you. Not too far from him, but still keeping your distance. Taking out the gauze from the kit, you clean your wounds before carefully bandaging yourself up, the injury now nothing less of a dull throb. Relief washes over you once you’ve taken care of that bit, but what now?You lean your head back against the cold surface. This is kind of awkward, you’d think Sebastian wouldn’t like company - maybe he also felt lonely?Uncomfortable, or at least uncomfortable in your books, silence overtakes the both of you. Again. What’s there to say, anyways? Would he even be willing to keep a conversation going? You silently tap your foot in an unknown rhythm against the damp floor. “So, tell me. What brought you here?” The question snaps you out of your thoughts. What a foolish query.“Uh, the usual, I guess. I came by to trade, as always.”You look at him, only to see him shaking his head. Was it a shake of disapproval?“Let me clarify, you rat-brain-” What an asshole. “- Urbanshade took you in under their oh so divine wing, no? Tell me why. I’d gladly learn more about your sinful crimes.” He says with a mocking grin, hands clasped together - a commonplace for him.“And why would you wanna know? I didn’t take you as a man to get personal with his patrons”“And I didn’t take you as a criminal. Unless you count peskiness as a crime. I’m just curious, is all.”You fidget with your fingers, gaze set on the wet, unforgiving floor you were sitting on. What even is there to say? False accusations is what brought you here, something that’ll encroach your mind till the wits of time.“I didn’t… I didn’t do anything.” you take a deep breath, reminiscing your past life. Your heart aches at the sweet memories of your loved ones, now left behind forever wondering what exactly happened to you.There’s silence once again, except this time you wouldn’t call it uncomfortable or awkward, but rather… compassionate.After a few moments you look up at him again, only to see him looking lost in thought. Has he gotten closer to you? Maybe you’re imagining things again. You shift in your seat. Your diving gear was really starting to bother you, digging itself into your back.“Seb-”“You read my file, didn’t you?”“Y-yeah, I did” by God did his sudden voice scare you.“Why?” you continue.“I’m sure you already know of the… crimes I’ve allegedly committed.” He looks at you, and you nod, insinuating for him to continue.“I’m stuck in this shithole for the same reason as you. ‘I didn’t do anything’” He repeats your admission, a bite in his remark.“Ah…” You murmur, unsure on how to respond. You already knew this - you’ve read his file. You knew he was innocent. You knew what sort of experiments the company did on him, he's the living proof after all.Things were getting a bit personal, and despite wanting to know more about him, you didn’t want to pry. You’ll let him continue at his own account. That was the end of the conversation, it seems. “So… what do you usually do? In your free time, I mean.” Silly question, but everyone starts somewhere!He snickers under his breath. “And why would you like to know?-” “Bec-” “-There’s not much to do here, I don’t know what you expect me to say. Scavenging for goods is one of the only ways to pass time down here. Oh, and robbing the deceased.” Yeah, you’re so glad you asked!“But…” He narrows his eyes as he looks as you, a stern, serious look given your way. You tense up under his glowing eyes.“I also enjoy stalking the little vermins.” Oh! Well, that’s unexpected. “What? What do you mean?”“Oh you know! Sometimes when I’m scavenging I stumble upon a little rascal and follow them around until they’re met with their inevitable death. Easy stock. And it just so happens that you’re my favorite subject” He gives you another sharp smile as he gets closer to you, lowering his upper body to be more acquainted with your own height.That’s when you realize you’ve been holding your breath. When did he get so bold? You exhale, an intense feeling wrapping your chest. You don’t know if you caught his drift, and if you heard him correctly, but one thing is clear - you feel creeped out. But also, strangely flattered. Has he really been following you around? Chills run down your spine at the mere thought of getting caught dying in the stupidest of ways. You think back on your past experiences in this very facility. Just how much has he seen? Did he really think you were 'easy stock'?“What?” He brings his face closer to yours. Not too close, but his large frame takes most of your vision. You can see his tail playfully waggling behind him. What’s up with him today?“What, what, what. You’re like a broken record” he cocks his head with each syllable with a mock, snickering.You don’t know if this is a good idea, since you know he’s not too big on being touched, but you take your chances and jokingly push him away by the cheek. He responds with another chuckle.So far so good.“How do you even get around? You’re…” you look him up and down while gesturing at him with your hands, pursing your lips. “welp, you’re huge.”“Ah. Flattery won’t get you anywhere, shrimpy” He wags his finger in front of your face in disapproval, before booping your nose.With eyes wide and mouth agape, you try muttering a word, but to no avail. That was an unnecessary innuendo. After a few attempts to get a sentence out, you finally manage to speak again, your cheeks warmer than necessary. “W-well, you’re the shrimp here. Since, well, you’re quite literally a fish. Ha! Wa-wait, aren’t you like, part mantis shrimp?” You burst out laughing as he gives you a deadpan look, his rebuke clear on his expression, the previously suggestive comment forgotten.He folds his arms, his extra arm sassily slug on his hip. “Well aren’t you clever…”Still busy with your giggling fit, you miss to notice the way he looks at you. Was it a look of adoration? Frustration? You wouldn’t know.Your laughs come to a halt when you’re suddenly emerged in the dark room again. What the… did Sebastian turn off his lure? “Um, Sebastian? You good?” You try to look at him - or at least, where he was a second ago.Anxiety starts to gnaw on you, your heart picking up it’s pace. Did you go too far? Did he take offense to your bicker?You stand up and raise your arms in front of you, trying to find your way through the dark. Slowly making your way around the room, you try to find Sebastian, simultaneously trying your best to avoid knocking anything over by accident. “Seb…? Sebby?”The room is small, but your eyes still haven’t adjusted to the dark. Where could he have gone? You’ve wandered around in a circle, yet didn’t even catch a glimpse or any sign of movement in the dark. For being someone so big, he sure knew how to sneak his way past you.“Um, he-” You yelp in surprise as you’re suddenly lifted from the ground by your armpits, your feet dangling in the air. “H-hey!?” You try kicking your way out of the grasp, until the warm, familiar yellow angler light is lit up right in front of you, bouncing off your face, and illuminating Sebastian’s face embarrassingly close to yours.“Maybe not so clever after all” He chuckles to himself in mischief. You gape your lips like a fish out of water, ironically, as your face flushes even more than before at the proximity. You try looking anywhere but him, but that proves impossible when he brings you closer, almost closing the gap between you two, the dangling light attached to his head softly bopping against your forehead.“I think this was a good way of showing how I do it”“Wh-huh?”He let’s out an exasperated sight, shaking his head before a smile appears on his face. “You’re a moron, you know that? I don’t feel the need to explain further” Okay, rude, but maybe you deserved that one.The intense light was starting to hurt your peepers, so you cover your eyes - only for Sebastian to start dangling you around like a cat. He really was enjoying this, wasn’t he?“O-okay! You can put me down now, you know.”He taps his chin with a finger from his extra hand, as if considering your request, a request you know he won’t oblige by, only to pull you even closer - so close in fact, your chests were pressed together. You don’t know him that well personally, so you can’t say, but you didn’t take him for someone who’d be so... affectionate. Touch starved, even.Your cheeks now impossibly red, you don’t even dare to look up at him. Because you know, oh you know, he’s being a tease on purpose. You try pushing him away for dramatic effect, and dramatic effect only, because you didn’t actually wanna leave his embrace. It only results in him hugging you tighter.Your chest starts to hurt, whether it’s from his unknowing strength nearly crushing you, your heart almost leaping out of your chest, or the fact he’s pressing against your wound, you didn’t know.Dah! the wound!“Naw, ouch! Seb, my wound!”That’s when he let’s go of you. He looks at you with slight worry, or maybe it’s what you hoped it was, before finally putting you down. He doesn’t look apologetic in the slightest, though.Rubbing your wounded arm and chest, you look at the ground in embarrassment. When was the last time someone hugged you like this? Was there ever a moment? You already missed his warmth, although you tried your best to pretend you didn’t.You fix your diving equipment before moving over to pick up your abandoned bag. You try your best to avoid his gaze, oh you tried your best, but you could feel his stare burn into you, something that made you only flush more.Finally giving in, you return his gaze. He’s now in his usual spot in the corner of the room, hands clasped together as always. For a split second, you see something in his eyes. Something… different. He looked both awe-struck, but also… uncertain. You wonder what he was thinking. He hasn’t said anything since he’s put you down, which made you hesitant to be the first one to speak.“Um…” You look down at your feet for a second, before looking back up at him. “I… I should go. I think” You didn’t wanna make it seem like he’s the reason you wanted to leave, but you had to admit - it was. Not because he’s hurt you, no no, but because these sweet moments were almost overwhelming. You needed some time alone to think, and to acknowledge the newly recognized feelings bubbling in your chest. “Yeah. Right”Your heart sank. Was he mad at you? Why? He didn’t look mad, but his voice was… felt… distant.You bite your lip as you avoid looking at him. Taking a deep breath, you take one step after another towards him, before taking a halt in front of him. Not too close - you didnt wanna crane your neck too much.And the heat radiating off him was intoxicating. Or was it yours?“Sebastian, I’m very thankful for you letting me heal up a bit here. And… and for the discounted medkit. And stuff...” You whisper that last part as you rubbed your arm. You felt shy, a certain warmth enveloping your chest. You couldn't really think straight, couldn't find the proper words.Your heart picked up it’s pace almost impossibly when you decided to take your chances. You gently took his third hand into yours, cautious of any signs he gives - whether it was discomfort or irritation - before wrapping your way smaller hands around his, bringing it up to your lips and kissing his knuckles.Giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, you let go of it and make a B-line straight for the vent. You give him one last glance. “See you around, Sebastian.” you grin before you go through the vent the same way you came in. He was now left alone. Again. As always.It’s nothing new. It's hard to feel anything but down here. Except, this time, something did feel different. He’s alone, but for once in a long, long time, he doesn’t feel lonely.Speechless, he looks at his hand. The hand you kissed. The warmth of your lips still lingered on his cold scales. He felt… fulfilment. And with a slight ear twitch, he turns his light off. You realized - for the first time since you’ve been brought here, you felt at peace. Yes, you still felt anxious about making it out of here. Yes, did your heart desire to get back to your loved ones. But alas, your heart felt full once again, down here, surprisingly. You were unsure of how things would work out, if things were supposed to work out. Between you and Sebastian, I mean. Just that simple thought made you feel fluttery inside. Taking out your new black flashlight, you set a march forward once more. You’ll do anything to get out of here. And… you’ll do anything to take Sebastian with you.Taking one last glance back, you turn on the black light - and pretend you don't hear the hushed clanking from the vents up above.