Chapter Text
The usually peaceful green room was packed with both TV World residents and visitors from Cyber City, loud music and flashing lights giving more the impression of a nightclub than a classy lounge to relax at in-between airings. A rare instance that was entirely Spamton‘s idea. A kind of formal event, though it was more of a party than anything, to attract new potential sponsors for the show ideas they‘d kept on the backburner for entirely too long.
Some influential darkners from Cyber City were mingling around, among them was even a stupidly rich online banker that seemed interested in collaborating with the TV World studio. They were acting like kingpins, sitting in their own corner of the green room, smoking cigars and drinking battery acid and whiskey. To anyone not paying attention, they seemed on top of the world and invincible. However, the beads of sweat running down their temple and nervous glances gave away that they‘d lost the upper hand in the negotiations, risking glances towards the culprits.
Surrounded by partying Pippins, the loud playing of the Shadowguys, Zappers desperately trying to keep everything under control, Lanino and Elnina putting down an impressive performance on the dancefloor and Addisons skittering around to also try and sell wares, Spamton and Tenna had retreated into their own corner of the green room.
Sat at an empty couch reserved for just them, they drank and took a break to recuperate after some rigorous discussions with the potential sponsors. Though really, they were more celebrating than anything, perfectly aware of how well everything went for them. Both of their grins were stupidly large, sitting so close together that they were touching.
„You‘ve really nailed it, Ant!“ Spamton‘s smirk could’ve rivaled the spotlights in their studio, one of his small hands digging into Tenna’s metal thigh. „I think that big guy nearly pissed himself when you slammed your hand down on the table! We got that deal down, 100 %, no doubt about it.“
Tenna‘s uproarious laughter filled the lively green room like an actual corporeal presence, one of his gloved hands covering his screen. „You think so?“ He hummed with a wobbly smile and subtle blush, preening at the praise of his little mailman.
„Absolutely, big guy. We work great together, especially when it comes to ripping these suckers off for the best deals.“ That hand was now running up and down the metal, with Spamton leaning closer to wrap Tenna‘s tie around his wrist in a seductive fashion. There was a hiss of hot air escaping Tenna‘s vents and a rosy glow on his screen. Anything Spamton did would probably charm him in one way or another.
For all he cared, Spamton could show up in a clown costume and inch like a caterpillar, Tenna would still be endeared in some way.
Tenna himself had always lacked talent when it came to business talk. Sure, he was a radiating presence on stage and, if Spamton could be believed, he was dopey and endearing, but also a naive idiot box that couldn’t differentiate good deals from scams if his life depended on it; Also directly quoted from Spamton.
He wasn’t completely walking in the dark. After all, he‘d managed on his own before his little mailman came into his life. But ever since Spamton appeared, he had insisted he take over as the main negotiator when it came to talking business and striking deals, an overall beneficial decision for the both of them.
It was no skin off Tenna‘s nose, something easy to agree to, seeing as he quite enjoyed acting as arm candy and occasionally pitching in while he could watch Spamton work his magic.
Tenna knew his role by heart by now, leaning back, looking handsome and powerful while closely watching Spamton‘s body language for any tells. A subtle tap against the table meant that whoever was talking was full of shit and he was supposed to question literally everything in that clueless, happy-go-Lucky voice of his. It never failed to make the other person sweat, aware of Tenna‘s status and desperately trying to sell their lie while digging themselves deeper and deeper into a hole.
When Spamton tugged a strand of hair behind his ear, Tenna was supposed to sit back and let him handle it; Usually it meant that the deal was practically in the bag already and that the rest could be left to Spamton.
And, by far Tenna‘s favorite sign, was an irritated click of the tongue, because it meant he was allowed to be intimidating. Subtly growing larger, fangs on display as he grinned salaciously, slowly running his claws along the table and growling in a low voice that they were brave little souls for even thinking they could sit down at their table and try to pull a fast one on him and Spamton.
But of course, he mainly backed up Spamton, who was doing a remarkable job at twisting any deal into their favor. The little Addison really had the business talk down to a craft, the way he wrapped those overinflated egos around his pinky finger was an absolute joy to watch.
The smarmy grin, the rough voice and the carefully chosen words as he pulled those darkners over the table without them even realizing made that little mailman ridiculously attractive, in Tenna‘s humble opinion. And it’s only gotten better since they‘re now officially together and Tenna didn’t need to pretend to not be head over heels anymore.
„Oh, Spammy~“ Tenna purred, the gentle swishing of his tail signifying just how content he was. „You always know what to say during these negotiations. And you look so good doing it.“
Spamton raised an eyebrow, setting his glass of Whiskey on the table. „Oh, do I now?~“ His voice was a low rumble, seizing the opportunity to get off the couch and hop onto Tenna‘s lap instead. The little mailman looked and certainly felt like royalty, propped up by one of Tenna‘s arms and sprawled over his partner‘s legs. He imagined himself like some sort of king, sprawled on his throne while being fed grapes and fanned air.
Only him, only Spamton would ever have the honor to lounge on Tenna‘s lap like some purebred, spoiled cat. „You do. You really do.“ Tenna ran a hand through Spamton‘s hair, relishing in the little chitter of enjoyment he got from his partner. „But on the other hand, you always look irresistibly handsome~ I’m such a lucky TV.“
Spamton might’ve laughed at those words if his ego hadn’t enjoyed an even larger boost than usual, just from having managed to capture Tenna‘s undivided love. If Tenna was a lucky TV, then Spamton was Lady Luck‘s bravest little disciple.
That Cathode had already been ridiculously handsome and endearing before, but now that he knew of the otherworldly true form hidden beneath all the glitz and glamour… Needless to say, Spamton had never been so enraptured by anyone else before in his entire existence.
He smirked, took a puff of his cigar and then grabbed Tenna by the tie to pull him down for a kiss. Tenna hummed, tasting smoke, whiskey and something distinctly Spamton in his partner‘s mouth; And he couldn’t get enough of it, insistently pushing his screen closer until he was bent at the most awkward angle imaginable.
It wasn’t comfortable by any means, but it was more than worth it.
„You‘re lucky that you‘re cute.“ Spamton smirked, waving his hand around, „With how mushy you‘re being, I’m starting to think that you‘re trying to make me nauseous.“
Tenna huffed, his tail flicking irritably in response. „Oh yeah? Well, you confessed first.“ He countered. The pout on his face must’ve been unbearably funny or something, because Spamton merely laughed warmly and pulled him down for yet another kiss.
„I sure did. And guess what, hot stuff:“ Spamton sat up, one hand next to his mouth as if to hide that he was speaking in the first place. Slowly, he leant towards one of Tenna‘s vents before finally whispering: „Once we’re outta here, I‘m gonna show you just how much I really love ya, big guy~“
In return, Tenna‘s screen flushed a deep red, an almost embarrassingly wide smile spreading across the glass. „Whoah, mama!“ He gasped, biting his tongue to try in vain to reign that dopey grin back in. He squirmed in his seat, hot air leaving his vents with a quiet hiss. „You really know how to make a machine feel special, Spammy.“
„Not make a machine feel special.“ Spamton tutted, wagging a finger as he corrected: „You‘re just a special machine, Ant.“ To drive his point across, he ran his palm along Tenna‘s screen, closing his eyes and relishing in the crackling static he felt along his skin and feathers.
Tenna squealed quietly, both hands coming up to cover his screen while he squirmed in his seat, „Stooop!!“ He insisted with a whine, the continuous thumping of his tail hitting the leather couch betraying his true feelings. „Don‘t let the censors hear you or you‘ll be out of here faster than I can say ‚TV Time‘!“
With a barked out laugh, Spamton pushed the remaining nub of his cigar into the ashtray, purring a promise: „Alright, alright, I’ll behave. For now at least.“
Even if the two of them were official now, they usually preferred to temper their romantic ministrations while anyone outside of TV World was watching; That being said, exceptions still applied. It was a mixture of the ridiculously successful negotiations and the fact that many Cyber City darkners Spamton hated were still roaming around this party that he so readily and happily showed Tenna off as his.
As if to tell these suckers that they lost and he won, not only was he a big shot, he also sat in the lap of the hottest TV and dark world leader around. He preened at every glare he received from an Addison he would’ve called a friend before they turned their back on him, getting a twisted sense of glee at watching them seethe. Spamton had to admit that he got a kick out of presenting himself and Ant as a dynamic power couple in front of all these nobodies, slithering their way to the top with silver tongues, good looks and power beyond darkner comprehension.
All while behind closed doors, where no one could ever see them and they had all the time in the world, the two of them were a lot more open and lovey-dovey in comparison. A much more stereotypical couple that relished in each other's presence. It was their little secret that no one but them ever needed to hear about and they‘d both willingly take to the grave. Exactly how they liked it.
Things could not be going better for either of them, they were on top of the world with everything they could ever want. And as much as Spamton preened in the glow of his enemies ire, he was about ready to ditch these suckers and hit the road. The night was still young and he intended to spend it with his TV.
„Alright, big guy.“ Spamton smirked, leaning against Tenna‘s shoulder casually. „I think those losers are finally done talking. I’ll go and close the deal and then we can get the hell out of here.“
„Ah?“ Tenna glanced down at his partner, then over to the potential sponsors, who‘ve now seemingly stopped their talking and were instead taking in the scene. „Oh, can’t wait to get home, Spammy?“
„Fuck yeah.“ The sheer bluntness of those words caused Tenna to sputter before erupting into laughter. „I love the business side of things, it’s the best. But now…“ He glanced around, making sure that no one was listening in before whispering, „I just wanna spend some quality time with my partner.“
„Spammy!~“ Tenna gasped, hiding his wobbly grin and laugh behind both of his hands. „You scoundrel. Do you talk with all your business partners like that?“ His tone had a teasing lilt, leaning close to Spamton with a waggling brow.
Spamton only rolled his eyes in return, a fond smile on his face. „Only to the one I share a bed with.“
They grinned at each other knowingly, enjoying the little game they were playing, Of course, Tenna knew that ‚quality time‘ was mailman talk for Tenna wearing the apron that drove Spamton crazy for some reason, make a very quick bite to eat, cuddle on the couch as they enjoyed dinner and then a good lay until they were both tuckered out and fell asleep holding onto each other. His tail began wagging just a little quicker at the thought. Oh, how he adored his little mailman.
Spamton must’ve noticed, judging by the way he gave Tenna one more quick peck before hopping off his lap to get to work. „Stay here, this won‘t take long.“
„You sure? I could back you up.“ Tenna made a move to follow his partner, only for Spamton to raise a hand to signal him to stay.
„Don’t bother.“ He responded, gesturing over his shoulder with his thumb. „I got these suckers in the back. Just enjoy the rest of your drink and watch the show, hot stuff~“
Tenna giggled cutely, twisting an antenna around his gloved finger and leaning back into the couch. „Haha, okay, then. Have fun taking them apart, Spammy.“
„You know it, cathode.“ With one last two finger salute, Spamton strut towards the table on the other side of the green room, acting like the entire world belonged to him. Granted, considering he was dating Tenna, it basically did, the world leader would move mountains for his little mailman. Literally!
Absent-mindedly, Tenna reached for his own glass at the table, a martini glass with a vermillion colored drink and yellow swirls inside. The rim had some salt sprinkled around it and a strawberry was pushed to the side of it, making for an amazing sweet and salty combination that he couldn’t get enough of.
As much as he enjoyed the taste of whiskey when kissing Spamton, Tenna had never understood the appeal of the strong alcohol that burned your tongue and throat with every gulp. He‘d always preferred the colorful, fancy stuff with a myriad of silly names that tasted so sweet on occasion that he couldn’t even taste just how much alcohol really was in such a little glass.
It came with the added benefit that Spamton would never steal his drink, he thought with a chuckle, recalling an evening they went out drinking and his poor mailman nearly choked from the syrupy sweetness. Spamton had been quite scandalized how Tenna could drink something so overwhelmingly sugary and nauseatingly sweet.
The TV had only grinned and savored the next sip he took as a response.
„Mr. Tenna!!“ He was rudely torn away from his daydream, reluctantly averting his eyes from Spamton approaching the investors to instead stare at an Addison. A blue one, who wrung their hands and scrutinized him with those squinted eyes and sleazy smile.
Tenna raised a brow, throwing one leg over his other and making himself more comfortable on the couch. „Yes? Anything I can do for you?“
„Oh, no, no. Nothing you can do for us!“ A different voice spoke up and Tenna‘s antennae twitched when a pink Addison hopped onto the couch and sat down next to him.
Yet another Addison, this time a yellow one went to join them on the sofa, this time on Tenna‘s other side and effectively sandwiching the TV between the two. „But there is quite a lot we can do for YOU, Mr. Tenna! Quite a lot, I assure you, you won’t regret hearing us out.“
The last one of the flock, an orange one, climbed onto the back lean to sit comfortably against Tenna‘s boxy head. „It’s quite important actually!“
„Important indeed!“ The blue Addison went to take the space that Spamton had previously inhabited, now standing on Tenna‘s legs. „We couldn’t live with ourselves if we didn’t warn you! No no, that would just be terrible if we didn’t, right?“
A murmur of agreement rang out all around him and Tenna squirmed in visible discomfort. He felt trapped, an Addison on each side, one by his head and even one on his legs. Effectively making it impossible to get up and leave without either losing his temper and barking at them to get the hell away or simply getting up and risking either injuring one of them or appearing incredibly rude.
And showing bad decorum towards cyber city darkners might damage the stellar relation TV World enjoyed with the flashy modern city, a disastrous possibility Tenna really didn’t want to consider.
So he endured, tense, visibly uncomfortable, with his antennae flat on his boxy screen and tail raised as an obvious warning.
If the Addisons knew what he was doing, they were doing a remarkable job at acting oblivious, keeping their salesperson smiles and ministrations up; they were acting like they were close friends with Tenna, a gutsy move he wasn’t entirely fond of.
But on the other hand: He had always wanted to fit in better with the darkners. Almost no one in TV World really treated him like he belonged, despite the form he made specifically for them. They either avoided him to the best of their abilities or treated him like the leader he was, walking on eggshells to ensure he stayed in a favorable mood. It was only ever really Lanino, Elnina, Mike and Spamton that treated him like someone other than a boss and someone to be afraid of.
Even if being boxed in like this made him uncomfortable, there was something strangely pleasant about being treated with such a blase attitude, as if he wasn’t the lord of screens, leader of this entire world.
It was strange, to hold so much power over them, to the point that he could send them flying with a snap of his fingers. They might not even be aware of how lucky they were to still get away with bothering him like this.
Had he really the right to decide how he would be approached? Wasn’t it good enough that he was being treated so casually at all? Wasn’t this what he wanted, in a strange and backwards way? Wouldn't it make him a hypocrite if he didn’t endure and remain polite?
Just hold on, he told himself. Indulge them, hear them out, if they are trying to sell some scam or product, he could still send them away after.
„Alright.“ He finally conceded, the Addisons around him visibly perking up. „I‘ll bite, what are you just dying to tell me? I’m sure the audience is gagging to hear it, too.“
„Oh, of course, Mr. Tenna, I’m sure!“ The yellow Addison spoke up, attempting to put his small hand on Tenna‘s thigh. No matter if it was meant as a friendly gesture or an advance, Tenna let out a low growl at the action, accompanied by a well-aimed tail lash onto the knuckles. A very clear warning: What they were currently doing was the line, he wouldn’t tolerate anything more.
The Addisons thankfully accepted this, the pink one picking up where their business partner left off. „It’s vital information! So important, we‘ll even give it out free of charge! What a deal, you can’t say no to that!“
„Well, what is it then? I’m at the edge of my seat, folks.“ Tenna declared, pretending to check his nails, even though he was wearing gloves. „I can hardly contain myself.“
„Oh, you act indifferent now, but you see!“ The blue Addison spread their arms, grinning up at Tenna‘s frowning screen, „It‘s about none other than your business partner, Spamton!“
Tenna’s antennae shot up at that revelation. Now they had him, hook line and sinker, Spamton was one of his greatest weaknesses. „Oh! Oh, I see. What a twist!“ He chuckled awkwardly, reaching up to tug at an antenna anxiously. „What is it, then? Is he okay? He isn’t sick, is he?“
„Oh, no no! He is as spry as a spring chick!“ The pink Addison quickly assured.
In return, the yellow one frowned. „Maybe a little too spry.“
„Considering all the stuff he gets up to when he‘s not glued to your side, Mr. Tenna.“ The blue one hastily added with a judgemental stare towards Spamton. „Shameful, quite shameful indeed.“
Tenna tilted his head confusedly. „What do you mean?“ He inquired, getting visibly upset. With a flash of his fangs, he warned: „I‘d appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk about my partner this way!“
„Hold your Trojan horses there, Mr. Tenna!“ the yellow Addison quickly raised their hands. „You see, we are here to warn you. That sleazy fella has a notorious history regarding his business partners!“
Tenna scoffed. „So what? I really don’t care what he was up to with his old colleagues.“ After all, Spamton was his little mailman now. In the tensest of moments, his partner had confessed to Tenna in his truest form. Even when he remembered the truth about Tenna‘s terrifying power and state, he hadn’t taken it back, quite the opposite.
‚Where even was Spamton?‘ Tenna thought with a sneer. How had the contract not been signed yet? He could really do with his partner shooing these little pests away on his behalf. Curse the image he had to uphold as world leader.
„You say that now!“ The blue Addison shook their head, „But I’m quite sure you‘ll care a lot more when you find out his scandalous escapades, even when he was already engaged with YOUR marvelous form, Mr. Tenna!“
Almost immediately, Tenna froze. „What…?“ His voice was hesitant now, quickly looking up to stare at Spamton from across the room.
The mailman was currently schmoozing up with the sponsors, laughing over another glass of whiskey and bantering with the wealthy darkners. Of course, the only reason he hadn’t sprinted over to rescue Tenna yet, he‘d been too distracted to notice.
„Oh, yes yes!“ The pink Addison made a point to gasp dramatically, one hand on their chest. „Quite the parasite, that one, always jumping from one bed to the other. He has such a way of wrapping his partners around his finger and then bailing once he finds someone better.“
Before Tenna had the opportunity to interject, the orange one was quick to add: „We‘re quite surprised he‘s been engaging with you, Mr. Tenna! Undoubtedly trying to leech off your radiant aura, but it’s quite surprising!“
„Oh yes, quite!“ The blue one laughed, „Considering you‘re really not the type that Spamton finds appealing!“
Tenna visibly drooped at those words, unable to hide his emotions as he actively shrunk for the flock to see. Unbeknownst to him, the colorful merchants were grinning to each other, knowing that they had finally found a point of insecurity to exploit. How the weakness could be Tenna‘s looks was beyond them, considering just how attractive the TV was, but they took what they could get.
„I’m… not?“ Tenna frowned, looking down at himself. At his form, the one he specifically made to fit in and mingle. He‘d tried so hard, folding himself like paper again and again to look just a little less terrifyingly mind-bending, trying to learn what different darkners might find appealing and applying it to himself in hopes that it would finally make him approachable.
Why did he suddenly feel so inadequate?
The Addisons feigned sympathy, their grins only getting wider when they realized that Tenna was now allowing some reassuring shoulder and arm rubs.
„Yes yes!“ One of them chirped, Tenna didn’t even pay attention to which one it might be, their voices were all starting to blur together. „Us Addisons, we‘re a very special folk, we are! We have very specific mating rituals and you just can’t fulfill all of them, Mr. Tenna!“
Another voice piped up, „Usually that wouldn’t be a problem! Because us Addisons, we‘re also a loyal species! Not a dishonest bone in our bodies, we only ever want the best for the people we care about! Spamton’s just a special fella, and not in a good way!“
„Oh, yes yes!“ Yet another one added, „He just can’t stop taking and taking, his egotism knows no bounds! And you, Mr. Tenna, simply don’t deserve someone so horrible! That’s why we‘ve come to warn you!“
Tenna felt more hands run along his body in what was probably meant to be soothing. Yet, all he could think about was the miserable thought that he may not be good enough for Spamton, that his partner had needs that Tenna couldn’t fulfill, no matter how hard he tried.
„Spamton, you see!“ The blue one waved their arms around, attempting to get Tenna to look at them again. „He was never a fan of compromises! He was always one to get his cake and eat it too! So he gets what he desires on the side!“
In an act of defiance, Tenna shrugged the hands off, his resistance returning in full force. „Stop talking about him like this! Spamton would never do that!“ He growled, „And I’m losing my patience with the four of you. Get out of my sight, now!“
They were losing him again. For just a moment, they had him completely under their thumb, but it seemed like this new relationship, while still fresh, was surprisingly sturdy.
Not a problem, they’d just have to try harder. If it was impossible to bad talk Spamton without this overgrown cathode jumping to his defense, they‘d just have to take advantage of Tenna‘s own insecurities instead.
„We‘re oh so sorry, Mr. Tenna! Please forgive our tactlessness! We didn’t mean to overstep.“ The pink one lied, raising their hands in a placating gesture.
„There are simply some things an Addison like Spamton craves that you cannot give him.“ The blue one added, faux regret lacing their voice.
At that, Tenna bristled, his claws digging into the leather couch. „Oh yeah? And what would that be, pray tell? Please, enlighten me.“
„Certainly!“ The orange one didn’t even hesitate. „First of all, as nice as your metallic sheen is, your lack of plumage is a massive dealbreaker for most Addisons!“
The blue one quickly picked up where the other left off, „Oh yes! Preening is one of the most sacred mating rituals between Addisons! And you cannot be preened, Mr. Tenna!“
Hesitantly, Tenna looked down at his gloved hands and regarded his arms with a somber expression. Was his lack of feathers really that much of an issue? Wouldn’t Spamton have told him if it was? If it was as much of a dealbreaker as they implied, would Spamton really have agreed to their previous situationship and now relationship in the first place?
But on the other hand, if it was true what they said and Spamton got his fill from someone else…
He rapidly shook his head. What the hell was he even thinking?! As if he‘d trust these four over Spamton! Not after what they’ve been through.
„Is that all?“ Tenna sneered, leaning back to try and symbolize his lack of care. Whatever were they trying to do? How would they benefit from telling him all of this? Were they really trying to warn him or did they have different intentions?
„Certainly not! There is more than plumage!“ the pink one informed him, a little more nervous now. „Your voice, it's lovely, quite lovely indeed! But it can’t serenade the way our kind does!“
Tenna flashed his fangs at the jab, „I assure you, my singing leaves NOTHING to be desired.“
„That may be true!“ The orange one agreed hastily to try and placate Tenna, „But you cannot chirp like us! We like to converse and serenade each other with these noises, it’s like a second language and quite special to us! Quite special indeed! But any chirps you‘d try to make would get drowned out by your static and sound messed up!“
It was infuriating to admit, but they actually had a point. Any soft noises had the bad tendency to become inaudible or warped thanks to the rather loud humming of his body and the static of his screen. „Well, Spamton has never asked me to ‚serenade‘ him. So I don’t think he minds.“
„Do you really think so?“ The blue one challenged, tilting their head with a knowing smirk. „Or is he maybe just not mentioning how unsatisfied he is to keep you placated? It’s not just the preening and the communication, there are a myriad of behaviors and acts you can‘t fulfill because you‘re not an Addison.“ they shook their head, „And as long as you can’t provide that, Spamton will never be satisfied. There will always be someone else he will have to seek out because you can never give him what he needs. Simply because you can never be an Addison.“
Tenna froze, staring at the darkner with an unreadable expression. Slowly, his gaze roved back over to Spamton, who was laughing loudly with one of the investors, a pen in hand. Undoubtedly urging him to sign already so he could finally leave.
While the Addison‘s original plan of making Tenna believe Spamton was a sleazeball that strung him along while getting his fill from other darkners, all for the sake of getting them to break up, had failed spectacularly, they had instead accomplished something entirely different: They had planted a tiny seed of doubt within Tenna.
But not regarding Spamton. After everything that his little mailman had done for Tenna, Spamton could frame him for cold-blooded murder and he would be just fine with it. He was devoted to the mailman. No, the doubt was directed at himself.
Was his form really so inadequate? Was he not appealing to Addisons? Had his lacking knowledge of darkners finally reared its ugly head in the worst way possible; in the form of discovering that he was failing the man he loved above all else?
Had Spamton been unhappy because this form of Tenna‘s wasn‘t good enough?
He didn't even realize how much he shrunk at that thought, nor did he register the surprised noise as the blue Addison had to hop off his thighs. The murmuring around him bled into each other, making it practically impossible for Tenna to distinguish anything. Even smaller, now he was looking up at the Addisons, but he still couldn’t stop shrinking.
Was he really not good enough? Had Spamton been unsatisfied with his lacking form and just refused to say anything? Was that the reason why he seemed so enraptured with his true form?
Only when he was about the size of a mouse did his rapid shrinkage stop, but only because of the sudden yell from a familiar, beloved voice.
„HEY!!“ Spamton barked, teeth grinding against each other the second he spotted the Addisons gathered around Tenna, his anger only amplifying when he saw how small his partner was. „What the hell are you doing?! Get away from him!!“
„Oh! If it isn’t Mr. Big Shot himself!“ The pink Addison laughed, hopping off the couch, now that their work was done. „Oh, we’ve been doing nothing. Just decided to get to know your new partner a little. Quite the special fellow, hm?“
The other three followed, giggling amongst each other. „Quite special indeed, you really know how to find them.“
Spamton glowered, teeth bared in an ugly snarl. Unlike Tenna, he had no reputation to uphold. He‘s from the city and more than ready to beat the snot out of these goddamn peacocks for harassing his partner like that. „I’ll give you one chance to get out of here voluntarily.“ He threatened, jabbing his finger into the pink Addison’s chest. „Or I’ll call security and have the lot of you banned for life. In fact, I’ll prolly do that anyway, you‘re NOT welcome in TV World anymore! Now get the hell out!!“
„Gladly.“ The yellow one sneered, waving Spamton off as if he was someone beneath them instead of a big shot. „After all, we did what we came here for.“
„Good luck Spamton.“ Came the mocking voice of the orange Addison, the malicious smirk on their face making them look even more sleazy than usual. In a sing-song voice, they added: „You‘re going to neeeeed it!~“
The loud chattering and smug laughter got quieter the closer these annoying traitors got to the exit. Spamton stared, glaring daggers at them until they were finally completely gone from view.
Great, he should’ve known better, should’ve expected that these stupid sponsors would drag their feet on a done deal and frustrating him to the point that he didn’t even realize that these pests were harassing Tenna. What the hell did these four even do to make the TV this small in the first place?!
„Hey, Ant…“ He tried to speak gently, placing a thumb under his partner‘s monitor and lifting it gently to take a proper look at the little TV. „You really gotta chase these guys away in the future. They have nothing of value to say.“
„Would’ve been rude…“ Tenna mumbled, trying to avoid looking into Spamton‘s face. „I’m still the- the TV World leader. I have to be courteous towards Cyber City darkners.“
Spamton rolled his eyes in return. „Not when they‘re actively harassing you, Ant! Jeez, you‘d let yourself get murdered if you were told defending yourself was rude.“
A small huff from Tenna. „Good thing it’s not, then…“
„Cathode.“ The sudden steely seriousness in Spamton‘s tone was finally enough for Tenna to look his partner in the eyes.
If looks could kill, these Addisons would’ve turned to stone or maybe even been struck by lightning in an instant. Tenna didn’t think he‘d ever seen such an infuriated expression on his partner‘s face, teeth bared and red in the face.
For a moment, Tenna felt nervous that Spamton might go out and murder someone to let off some steam, deep-rooted anger coursing through him; the kind where yelling just wasn’t enough. „What.“ He began, his teeth grinding together threateningly, „What did they tell you?“
“Please don’t go after them…“ Tenna pleaded, actively dodging the question. „You will get in trouble if you hurt them.“
„Ant.“ Spamton continued staring down at his partner, stubbornly rejecting any distractions that Tenna was attempting. „I’ve been taking their shit for way too long and I’ve shook it off. But I draw the line at them harassing you to piss me off.“ Because he knew that was all that was. Jealous bastards couldn’t take the thought of Spamton becoming big and now enjoyed trying to ruin everything he had for a sick sense of satisfaction. Not even his goddamn relationship was safe from them. „Now tell me what the hell they told you so I can beat the snot out of them if I have to.“
Spamton was pissed. In his life, he‘d taken a lot of shit from the Addisons, losing them as friends, losing deals to them and enduring constant sabotage. But this is where he drew the line.
„Out with it. Did they tell you some lies about me?“ Spamton ran a finger along the casing of Tenna‘s monitor, who leant into the touch without even realizing.
Tenna nodded, averting his gaze.
„And what did you tell them?“ Spamton looked at him with a surprising amount of patience, something that would be uncharacteristic if it was directed at anyone but Tenna.
„I didn’t believe them. I trust you.“
Spamton smiled, a genuine one. He leaned closer to press a kiss to Tenna‘s screen. „Good, I thought so. So what‘s the matter then? No reason to shrink up on me like that.“
Tenna visibly crumpled and shook his head, pleading: „Can we just go home? …Please?“
In response, Spamton let out a big sigh and scooped Tenna up into his hands. While not the first time, it always felt odd seeing Tenna so tiny, the TV wasn’t meant to be small; He was supposed to be larger than life, a presence that could effortlessly fill every setting, not so glooby over whatever these damned Addisons told him.
He just didn’t understand: If Tenna didn’t believe any lies about Spamton, then what was affecting him to such a degree?
„Alright. Alright, fine. We‘ll go home.“ He relented, grabbing his bag and heading for the door with his partner. „But we‘ll talk about it once we get there. Scratch quality time, I’ll order us something to eat and then we‘ll talk, cause I will NOT have you trying to keep secrets again!“ Spamton shook his head with a sigh, remembering the crying and sniffling mess that his partner had been on that fateful day, the fear he felt at the possibility of Spamton knowing the truth.
Never again.
Tenna shifted uncomfortably in his seat. „Do we have to? Talk, I mean? Can’t we just-“ His question practically answered itself if the steely, serious glare Spamton shot him was any indicator. The TV visibly withered in response, antennae drooping and accepting his fate.
Spamton slammed the door open without much fanfare, his response of „Yes. We have to.“ Might as well have been a gavel slamming down to seal Tenna‘s fate.
Oh, he had a bad feeling about this.