Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jongler’s always been more lenient than most Zappers. Too lenient if anything.

First of all, they caught Battat up in this.. Pretending to be Mike mess, but never said anything. Never went and got the Pippins in trouble for plainly being deceitful, or technically breaking potential rules or laws. Knowing the big boss himself, Tenna would only throw even more of a fit if Mike hadn’t actually returned for real. Whoever Mike was. Jongler’s never heard of the guy.

Second, they joined in! Told the guy—who honestly looked like he had a heart attack on the spot—that they’d never tell, and would actually like to join.

Could you blame them? Their job was nothing more than guarding doors or checking various halls and rooms to make sure nothing ‘illegal’ was happening.. Which…

Third… They’ve let so many others get away with all sorts of activity before. Wandering aimlessly can bring you to finding arranged events behind Tenna’s back. Gambling, drinks, parties and such.

Temporarily Jongler started hanging around those when happening, curious but never partaking. They never stuck around too long around those events either. Later when Pluey got involved in the Mike issue, they sort’ve recognized the Shadowguy from some of those events.

Being Mike was fulfilling, Jongler couldn’t lie about that.

Yeah, it came with the cons of actually handling Tenna on a much, much more personal level. Trying to calm the guy from throwing fits, sooth him from sobbing over something that they’d personally find absurd. Even though to Tenna, anything he did felt completely rational.

A system was somewhat put into place. When they’d each take turns being Mike, it gave each of them a chance to not fall behind on their real life’s jobs or completely vanish. Certain moments called for certain versions of Mike they each provided though, a juggle but not too hard.

The pros however, Jongler hadn’t enjoyed hanging around others this much before.

Other Zappers didn’t have as many conversations, or worried way too much about things that Jongler thought didn’t matter too much. Finding it difficult to speak up in groups at times, feeling too awkward.

Battat though, this guy… was something. Spoke his mind. Sometimes they actually worried for him and if he’d been shaken up one too many times. He overworked a lot, but balanced everything work related pretty well. Jongler admired him in a way, how easy it seemed for Battat to completely change into being this ‘Mike’ fella.

Pluey was definitely an interesting type. Chatty. Chatty for a guy that used sign language to communicate, even though having conversations wasn't hard at all. Jongler had no clue what Pluey’s usual job was, the amount of times they’d see him napping in between Mike shifts or just disappearing and reappearing around. Pluey didn’t change when being Mike, personality at least. His ‘Mike Persona’ as Battat calls them, was just a cat suit. Pluey would wear it even when he wasn’t needed anywhere as Mike, from there a strange habit of Pluey asking to be pet was formed.. And soon transferred to him asking for pets even out of suit. Hey, maybe it was just an animal Shadowguy thing.

It was honestly a little funny, the way Jongler and Pluey wanted their Mike designs to have their own interests while Battat insisted on keeping his completely original and un-personified. It was noticeable by others around the studio, but not enough where anyone suspected they were different. Just side comments on how cute Mike was when he was a cat, or how refined Mike looked with the cowboy hat. Sometimes compliments on how Mike spoke, or how nice his voice was, but Battat complained about that one even if it was meant for him.

Jongler came to care about them both very much, looking forward to seeing the two each day.

However, that was all just the work aspect of their life.

Not that there was anything to say about what the Zapper did upon going home every night. Eat, clean up, sleep… Other than this hobby.

Jongler enjoyed writing scripts. Or, as it started, fanfiction.

They’ve been around the studio for a good portion of its existence, a few of its different eras. Their personal favorite had been that one particular cowboy series. Full production towards a show one of the Lightner’s favored quite often. Especially when schedules changed, and there was a time period where the show ran into late hours of the night. Until that era ended, and was abandoned. The set was no longer used, but Tenna kept it aside in case the show would come back.

Enough time passed that Jongler decided they'd want to continue to plot on their own. Free time when spent writing what they’d want to happen, or giving more character depth. Until it gradually turned into something completely original with new characters. Stuck with the western era, but to get to where if the product was shown off, it might as well be its own series.

Since getting involved in being Mike, it’s cut that time back by a lot, just not completely. Nights running later to make sure Tenna was all tucked in, meet up with the other two and make sure everyone was caught up. Not much time when it came down to getting home, showering, eating and then sleeping for the proper amount of time. Moments available for jotting down ideas if Jongler had any, or fixing anything that bothered them when re-reading but for the most part Jongler didn't stress over it. They didn't make a point to write every day, just put down what felt right when it came to them to do so.

One particular morning was rather inspiring though. Starting with a rant from Tenna, on and on about the amount of screen time that's been dropped over the years, how views have gone down.

“I just don't understand!”

Tenna complains, pulling his red coat on as he stands in front of his vanity mirror.

“They even unplugged the console from me! Haven't seen it since… since- You know!” Tightening his tie, fixing out his suit while ‘Mike’ stood nearby listening.

“Well, time's changing Tenna. It's.. natural, y’know?”

Jongler was never good at this talking stuff.

“I mean, plenty of shows end.. Uhmmm… Oh! Remember when Uh… one of the kiddos watched one of those after school shows every day for a week?”

Tenna sighs, placing his hands to lean forward against his vanity. “Yeah. We put extra funding into it and everything too.”

“Dat’s okay, it happens… Or when.. well, dat one show that’s only played once a week?”

“Well that one’s not really up to us, that’s just when it airs.”

“Still, ya’ put the points into it. After every show ya’ say what if dey don’t come back? But dey do.”

“I just need something more- something else that’ll reel them back in to spending just as much time with me like they used to!” Tenna says, turning away from his mirror as he begins to bite against his knuckles. “Is the way I handle it just- no good? I’m a TV Show Host, Mike! I have to be good!” He shrinks a couple of inches.

Mike makes their way over, gently nudging for Tenna to stop gnawing on his own hand. “Yous handle it jus’ fine. Cookin’ show is always a big hit, yeah?”

“Yeah..” Tenna sighs, listening to Mike to stop biting on his gloved fingers, instead placing both on his hip sides. Overthinking was far too easy for someone who literally made TV World, some anxious attachment disorder for sure somewhere in that head.

“Haven’t heard from Asgore in forever… Ugh, remember the days where the studio worked overtime? That Western channel ran into the late hours of the night so many times! He didn’t even get to finish the season, just, up and gone! 

“Oh! Dat’ one set kept aside right? Has ta’ be a personal favorite if ya’ ask me.” Jongler of course had to add in their opinion.

“You actually have a favorite one?” Tenna appeared surprised then briefly amused. “Thought you said you could never pick one.”

“Oh- uhm.. yeah.. yous could say dat.. But, y’know, dis one was just so different from the rest, really stands out much more.”

“Too bad we've never had the chance to continue it huh? I thought everything we had for it was rather fun too. Oh! And the plot twists! I'd always be so excited to see Asgore’s reaction to them! Oh what lovely days!” A flower bloomed on Tenna's nose, hands clasped together by a lower corner of his frame.

“Did ya ever see how it ended?”

“Well.. no. I didn't. When a show stops being played everything just stops. I don't get any more intel.”

“Ah.. shame..”

“If anything, I would've LOVED to see the ending if it was possible! Such a classic series! The shooting scenes were already a little much but had JUST the right amount of action to keep you on the edge of your seat!”

“Left off around dat cliffhanger of the main character train hopping right?”

Of course Jongler knew the specifics, they used to make sure to have their job free during the airtime or arranged to ‘guard the stage wings.’

“You're right! It did! I actually got the next episode sneak peek but because it was never turned back on it just.. never aired in TV World..”

“What happened?”

“Well obviously they made it, but if I remember the scene correctly the bad guys were in the next train cart by the time the main character climbed inside to get to the engine?”

Mike nods, slowly taking in the snippet of information.

“I always thought about it, like… what if they missed? The character always just managed but never faced any of da real consequences or injuries.”

“Oh? Mike, you liked it enough to guess what was next?”

“Well- err- yeah. I might as well see every rerun too.”

Tenna laughed, reaching over to mess with Mike’s cowboy hat, tilting it down over their face playfully. “Guess you having a favorite was clear enough, even if you don’t wear this thing all the time.”

Jongler could feel their face begin to rise in temperature at the motion, their own hands nudging their cowboy hat back into place. “Just a lil’ treat every now and ‘den..”

___

Maybe bringing that show up was a mistake.

It had been several hours since switch off, and the slightest bit of new information handed right over to Jongler about what was next was making them feel like they were going to lose it. In a good way of course.

For now Jongler was stopped by one of the coffee vending machines. Waiting for the machine to finish filling up the cup… which was a large. Not that Battat even needed this size in their opinion. Jongler checked the text message about six to seven times just to make sure he was getting what Battat wanted right… Hard enough when the guy texted like he was the next victim of a slasher horror that happens to trip every two seconds of running.

[S large black coffee thabks]

[Waiti grab some of those creamer containers am d dushwr pwckets]

Jongler texted back for clarification but still.

Just standing around though, of course their mind begins to wander back around to the Cowboy show.

Based off what little bit Tenna remembered, Jongler guessed roughly correct in their own adaptation… Honestly it’s been a while, should probably go and refresh their mind and keep at it again. Might be fun, adding to the story.

…Is this how Battat feels every time he’s muttering maniacally whilst pinning a new sheet onto that board?

No… Jongler was more reserved than that.

At most Jongler caught themselves giggling when writing but that was ONCE.

And, well, alone. Writing in the privacy of their home.

Jongler wouldn’t dare be as open as Battat is with his own interests. But go Boss! He’s definitely got whatever lead he has right now!

Jongler got the coffee, then made a point on the way back to stop by one of the many vending machines to grab a treat for Pluey too. There wasn’t a text back for a request, but they knew Pluey would appreciate it either way.

Where did they leave off again? Of course there were the main plot points, but Jongler would probably have to take their notes out for the names of various towns, trails.. Sheriff to run away-

TUNK.

Jongler grabbed the treat of choice from the vending slot, making their way to the Mike room.

Right! And that mistaken outlaw that happened to come along. Where were they? Jongler remembered they wanted a specific scene to happen, but couldn’t quite remember if they even began writing it already, or stopped around it… Or skipped ahead to write it and worry about filling between point A and B later.

___

Beyond what was necessary, Jongler didn’t keep too many personal belongings. Or if something stood out enough to even want in their home. Few small shelves for trinkets or to hold some minor decor.

From one of them, Jongler pulls out a notebook. Neatly aligned with a line of others, all of the others pages full front to back, developed carefully over time from being about that old show, to being just inspired and something new.

It was already late, getting home after having caught up with the other two, ensuring that Tenna was indeed asleep. Plus the time it takes traversing to and from the Studio.

Jongler settled into bed, adjusting to sit up just enough to be able to read whilst still remaining in a laying position.

Just catch up a little, reread a few chapters, look at the old notes and so on… Easy enough.

…Which ended up easier thought about rather than done.

By the time Jongler was caught up with everything they’ve written down before, all ‘notes for future chapters’ included, they just laid there holding the book with a mix of emotions.

Why had they stopped before in the first place? It'd be easy to get up and continue it right now. And a ‘what am I doing, I need to get up early tomorrow.’

Jongler shifts the notebook, tracing the spiral edge. They never cared enough to get any other notebook type, pages are pages.

Writing a little wouldn’t hurt… Just add onto the notes for when they do have time to write. Yeah, just fix the notes a little bit! Next Chapters summary outline could be tweaked slightly, what's he harm?

___

The consequences were pretty immediate.

For one, Jongler woke up in the most awkward, definitely didn’t get in bed properly position. Notebook half crunched up, pen.. Somewhere. They didn’t look for that, not yet at least.

Second, a little too much time was spent on trying to flatten the pages and outer casing, before ultimately dragging out some heavy items to stack on top of it before having to rush to work.

Third, it felt like their body hates them now. The upper muscles of the shoulders felt all stiff from that half laying, half sitting up enough pose to write. Mixed with exhaustion.. Honestly, Jongler didn’t exactly remember going to sleep, or what time they happened to pass out by.

Way to preach self care to Batts when they just turn around and practice the same bad habits.

No, no no.

This wasn't the same.

This was a casual hobby.

Jongler still made it to the studio on time—Well, on time for ‘Mike.’ That’s maybe one thing Jongler missed, regular work hours—hands pressing against their back as they finally got to the Mike room for Morning check-in.

“Specifically though. Those exact colors, in that heterochromic order- Y’know what, it's whatever. If you really came up with it, that's fine. What do you- they're not even your favorite colors?!”

Batts was already on about.. something. Pluey had a chair scooted up at the board, apparently interested enough whilst Battat remained standing. Hands motioning in every direction. North, East, South, West- Up, down, left, right- Vertical, Horizontal- may as well go diagonal. Okay bit much but the guy spoke with his hands way too much when he got passionate.

“Not too late, am I?”

Jongler made their way over to see what the topic even was, switching to attempting to stretch their back out by lifting their arms. Not much of a satisfactory result but their muscles will ease up with time anyways.

“Late? Oh, hey, Uhhhh-”

Battat gave a very short glimpse over before leaning his entire body to get a view on the clock. Too stubborn to, what, take one step over to see?

“Nah- no. Tenna's like.. probably snoozing a little extra. It's church day. Average time- yes, but right now we're fine. Tenna will get Mike if it's important enough or whatever-” He waves a hand, not caring too much in the moment.

“Mm.” Jongler wasn't sure of what else to comment back, turning towards the board right now. A couple new pictures were added, but nothing connected yet.

“New theory?”

Pluey stood, giving a brief side hug to Jongler, who reciprocated, before he headed off to do whatever else. Probably free from the board ramble now that Jongler showed up.

“Ah.. I don't know. Something to make note of for now- if it's important for later maybe-”

Battat started turning the board around as if a second pair of eyes on his unfinished work was too much.

“Keepin’ good track still, keep it up Boss.” Jongler gave a thumbs up regardless, turning to check their Mike shifts for today during floor hours.

“Just that this stuff might not even align- should probably keep it separate honestly..”

“What, gonna make a second board?” Jongler hums playfully despite the thought not being ideal. The guy would never find a break between a game of pong pong with two boards.

Boss had morning Mike shift for once. Pluey had night.. which wasn't bad if Tenna had something to rattle off before the end of the day. Tenna rarely wants or even means to get all worked up right before bed. Claimed it ruined getting his proper rest to get thinking too hard. Had to always function at his best, even if his best was threatening to fire someone every other day.

“Nah. The Mike stuff is.. kinda reaching a dead end. It's fine though. Tenna's not as much of an ass and that's the main point that matters.”

..New interesting take coming from Battat, but okay!

“Probably need a break. A nice long one, yeah? That way if yous find something new, the older evidence will seem a little fresh when yous go to add somethin’.”

They turned back to see what Pluey was up to- he was curled on the couch to nap already. That was quick.

This area of the room Pluey had set up, having begged for a couch to lounge on then to make a small ‘hang out’ corner. Couch facing an awkward angle but private enough from the doorway.

“Euughhhhh..” Nothing else was contributed, Battat groaning and walking off to pick some scattered trash up and gather his Mike set to prepare a little ahead of time.

“Just a suggestion,” Jongler hums. “No harm in sayin’ so or trying anything out.”

There wasn’t a response back. Long enough to make Jongler become far too aware of what to do now.

“How’s about I go get us all somethin’ to eat right before work? I don’t mind covering for it.”

Pluey gave a very quick thumbs up from the couch, of course listening.

“Sounds good.”

Battat kept it short, busying himself with mindless tasks around the room for now.

___

The rest of the day was forever long. Jongler’s regular job wasn’t scheduled for anything on this particular day, everyone seemed to take fair turns for guard duty. Asides from being Mike.. there was nothing to do after their shift.

Pluey was out, and Jongler finally convinced Battat to go find a second meal. Eating helped keep away headaches at times, and they knew dealing with Tenna wasn’t always pleasant either.

Jongler was in the middle of reshuffling a deck of cards after a game of single player solitaire, putting the cards back away and sliding the box across the table by a few inches.

Being home right now would be great.

A hot shower, maybe cook something for dinner instead of eating at the studio.. Even if it meant eating later. The notebook should most likely be much flatter now, hours having passed with all that weight sitting on top to push the crease back down.

Writing right about now would be nice too.

Jongler leaned back in their seat, stretching their back once more before back forward and leaning onto the table with their arms crossed, resting.

The idea of incorporating a third character came back up. Not in the story yet, but small notes of how they’d impact the story, what the backstory may be. So far the idea of the original stopping in another town for the night to meet the third came up. Jongler could see the possible third getting along with the others pretty well, maybe help carry the plot. Just that there wasn't to go off of. Why would this other leave town after meeting the two on such short notice… Maybe the town just.. Sucked or something. Or they didn’t fit in, but didn’t have a good reason to leave before the two would show up?

Hell, why weren’t they taking notes right now? Any information is good, even if crossed out later.

Even when imagining a possible third main character, it was hard to really… make up a personality though. Just someone that wanted change and came with.

Maybe that will be something to explore as the three carry on. The main character already knew something of their current partner, even if it was all bad things at first. The two could meet the third- allow them to come along, and along the already planned plot make something as they go.

Jongler had gotten up, searching through battat’s desk for spare paper and pen before sitting back at the side table once more.

Why ruin good plot to try and introduce an idea on a whim.

Come on, Jongler had notes for how they wanted the ending to go already. What’s supposed to happen, each chapter’s outline.. Even if they were one sentence ideas for now. Shouldn’t waste much energy on something thought of too briefly..

Regardless, Jongler couldn’t help but write the previous thoughts once having found a sheet of paper.

Might as well write while it’s fresh in the mind, better now rather than to forget the details later. Even if they didn’t want to copy it, sticking this paper in the notebook later would be good enough.

“I don’t think the ice cream even melts anymore.”

Jongler fumbled the pen they found, almost dropping it. Free hand grabbing the paper in the dead center, scrunching it horribly to grab it up off the table.

“What-?”

Jongler looked over just to see Battat dropping a not even halfway finished TV Dinner into the trash.

“Like, it used to melt. But I stood out there eating what I could before even coming back here, and none of it melted.”

Battat looks up at Jongler as he speaks before squinting his eyes, pausing any movement as he studies the other.

“What-” Jongler repeats with damn near the same tone.

Battat bit on his inner cheek before patting his poncho, then reaching to check an inner pocket. Eyes relaxing as he turned back away to continue on with himself. “Thought you had my pen for a moment. You’re fine.”

Jongler felt a part of themself relax, sighing. (Why’d they tense up so much anyways, jeez.) “Oh- No. Well- Yes! I’m borrowin’ one of them, just not yours, yours. Is dat okay?”

Placing the current pen down, hands pushing the page flat against the surface of the tabletop before folding twice in half to put away on their person.

Battat waved a hand in their direction.

“Yeah it’s fine, it’s not my main one. You know to give it back to me anyways. What’re you up to anyways. Didn’t seem like you left at any point for any Zapper work.”

“Yeah.. free day it seems..”

“Lucky.”

Barely a beat when Battat switched it up, sorting through the desk papers that were already scribbled all over.

“Did you notice how Tenna’s been looking at Mike lately? Or, at least like, have you noticed if he’s looking at you any differently than usual?”

Jongler frowned slightly, evident only via the line across where their face would be.

“Huh? What do ya mean?”

“I don’t know, Pluey kinda briefly brought it up, Tenna might be… catching on? I only started noticing it after it was mentioned, but Tenna tends to stare when we’re busy with something turned away or parting ways- I mean! He kinda already notices we’re all different, but the guy think’s Mike changes! So I don’t know- Have you noticed? Did Pluey bring it up?”

“Uh. No. Neither-”

“Maybe he’s wanting to catch a glimpse of how Mike changes… Which, I mean, fair- But NOT. He can’t find out. What if he starts following us back here?!”

Battat only continued on, really getting to a point where he could be a bit much.

___

Another too excited to know to rest properly night later, Jongler was functioning rather fine. They made sure to get home and make a proper dinner before anything else. In the morning they got up early enough to shower and prepare a good breakfast, but ended up only writing more as they ate.

Studio morning went well, Battat mumbling on about.. Something hard to hear between sips of coffee. Pluey doodling extra smiley faces and hearts onto post-its, before sticking those on the edge of Battat’s board.

Their morning brief went about as expected, early weekend showtime was scheduled. Days after church always had something early playing, especially if one of the Lightner’s wanted to tune in for breakfast.

Jongler was in the middle of adding to Pluey’s post-its as well, writing out small encouraging notes.

Battat walked past to toss his own now empty cup in the trash. “Okay, I’m getting ready to make Tenna’s coffee run- Pluey you can go ahead and go, just be back on time. Oh and Jongler, restocked the desk.”

Pluey one arm hugged Jongler, jostling them at how quick the guy grabbed on then released to rush out.

“Head out? Sorry boss, could yous repeat dat? Thought yous had the morning with Tenna?” Jongler turned away from the note they had been adding onto.

“Pluey texted last night, they’re helping fill in for someone or something.. I don’t know. And the desk supplies. I put in extra since you’re using some now too.” Battat rattled off, explaining slightly better as he got out his Mike attire. As perfect as ever, unlike Pluey who tossed his around and left it on the floor at times.

Huh. How could they have missed that?

Jongler grabbed out their phone to double check, quite a few texts they didn’t read at all. “Ah, ya’ didn’t need to add anything more- sorry for usin’ yer stuff.” Nothing else to really comment about the texts. Didn’t bother with their own schedule.

“No it’s fine,” He answered a little more quickly. “Pluey goes through it all, I have to restock usually anyways.”

“If yous say so.”

Jongler went on to help Battat finish getting ready. Mostly straightening out the bowtie, flattening out any awkward parts of the suit, and throwing in some encouraging words.

Jongler headed off to do a quick round so that everything was in its proper place. Even when not presenting as Mike, of course ‘Mike's things’ needed to be in place. Which was basically a checklist of various small tasks Mike always took care of for Tenna that no one else did. Whoever wasn't Mike at the moment usually took care of it.

Humming along, pausing in between the mindless work to take small notes on thoughts or ideas that came up. The paper from yesterday still on their person anyways, so might as well use it.

It was less notes taking, more test dialogue. Adding in a line or two when making it around the studio. 

Throughout the day they ended up adding various small snippets of scenes in between basic work. Unorganized, meant to be implemented into the real story kept back home. Some planning ahead, small test scenes written out poorly but enough to get the idea of what Jongler wanted for the next batch of chapters that didn’t have outlines yet. Mostly just character testing the characters and how far they might want their relationships to progress.

Mike shift came and went, Tenna more on a happy ramble than conversation exactly. Invest in this, plan that, bunch of nonsense that Jongler knew they’d have a meeting about with their buddies later to try and list everything down.

Jongler had walked back in, already working at tugging the jacket off.

“Can’t dis thing get re-done?”

“Your Mike costume?” Battat barely gave even a glance, just enough to see what they were on about before going back to his own work.

Jongler sighs, getting the rest of the disguise off to set them aside. “Uh? Yeah? It's too tight, kinda mashes on my buttons y'know.”

“I'll get around to it- oh by the way I'm getting all of our stuff washed tonight. Put it by the door or something.”

“All of it? Ya usually do ‘em one by one over a few days.” Jongler hesitated, moving everything back up to look around for where to place the clothing items now.

“Nah I got it. I have to fill out some accident forms anyways, so might as well let them all get done while I'm busy doing that.”

A small pat was felt on Jongler's upper arm, making them turn in the opposite direction.

Pluey, already on his own Mike attire stood there, holding out some pa-oohhh fuck that's actually Jongler's.

Before either of them could really react, Jongler snatched the already partially crumpled paper out of Pluey's mic mitted hands.

“Oh! Thanks buddy- Uhh- where'd- Could’a swore I had-”

Stammering for words, shoving it back away as Pluey motioned to the floor near the door, then pointed to the jacket Jongler was holding.

Shut it down shut it down shut it down shut it down.

“Must've slipped it off’a me. Haha- well- thanks.. yous.. have a good shift-” Jongler moved everything under an arm to reach out and pet the top of Pluey's head, giving a few scritches.

Pluey appeared pleased, not questioning anything other than focusing on the affection a few extra seconds before turning to head out.  Whistling a goodbye over to Battat as he practically pranced out of the room. (Earning only a half assed grumble back but it was better than nothing.)

Jongler let out a breath, turning their attention back to now properly folding and stacking the various pieces of their own Mike attire to set aside. Glancing over a couple times towards Battat.

All but only a couple post-its from earlier were removed. The lucky remaining couple had been moved even further out of the way than before.

Batta was busy moving a few sheets around, elbow pressed against the board to keep unpinned sheets in place, other hand pinning some new pieces of information, all while his red string was intricately wrapped around and between his fingers. Supposedly ready to re-wrap immediately without having to get any ready.

“Ey, Boss? Need some help?”

“Mm- nah- no, no, I got it. I have a process right now.”

“Oh. Okay den.”

Jongler continued to watch, another feeling of not knowing what to do with themselves. For now, starting to scan for anything to tidy or… well, ninety percent of what was a mess seemed to be a part of Battat’s… ‘process’.. Best to leave it be.

Hand clasping around the back of the other, pressing against their knuckles. “Uhh.. well.. If it’s okay.. Plues is finishin’ up with Tenna for the night. I could head out early..”

Battat at least turned his head over to fully look at Jongler. “You wanna go?”

“If dat’s okay, I mean- I don’t hafta.”

“No you can-!” Battat shifted to pin down the sheets he was pressed against to keep in place. Heading whipping back and forth in the shift of what he was now focusing on. “Just you usually stay I guess- Did you really want to help or- No it’s fine uhm…” Taking a step back to assess that the papers were staying before facing Jongler, not bothering with the string around his fingers.

It’d only be more work to undo the specific way Battat had it curled, then of course to re-wrap the string.

“I guess, nothing weird with Tenna? Pluey and I can fill you in tomorrow if we mention anything important.”

“Yeah, yeah dat works.” Jongler nods, even more so itching to get out of here with how nervous they already felt. Something about having Battat’s full attention was just so….

The two of them paused, in complete silence as Battat bit on his inner cheek. “Cool. Yeah. Fill you in tomorrow then.” Battat gave an awkward thumbs up, turning back away.

Okay, no need to feel so uptight. It was just their friends. Pluey came and went whenever he damn well pleased, Battat acted like this room was his life and let the two do as they pleased just about anyways.. Nothing wrong with leaving a little early.

“See yous tomorrow. Tell our little buddy I said g’night for me.”

“..Yeah.”

There wasn’t anything else to do anyways. Plus, now Jongler had some extra time to get some housework done. This was good, a little bit of extra time for self care.

___

The next couple of days went just fine, figuring out a better rhythm of working and writing again. Jongler started resting just fine once a steady system was implemented, similar to being a reward to write after taking care of work and self care.

At this rate, the next act in the story was ready, but needed more planning time before they could possibly continue. At least by now they had a few chapters they could re-read, do some minor edits on. White out for spelling mistakes always helped, and switching out synonyms or entire sentences weren’t too hard.

Although.. Jongler has gotten more risky. Finding more writing time even inside the studio, the notebook was now being brought back and forth between home and work.

It wasn't too bad! There was a spot in the Mike room Jongler kept it in during their shift. Whenever the other two were out, they’d write in it a bit. Whenever they two came by, they busied themselves with a puzzle booklet they kept nearby instead.

Battat’s timing was predictable enough, but Pluey was harder to guess when he’d be around. All three of them spent the majority of their off time in the Mike room, but Pluey didn’t exactly have a set schedule he followed. Some days hanging around while others he’d be out claiming he had work.

Didn’t bother Jongler too much, and they definitely didn’t let it interfere with spending time with the other two. (Not so much Battat hanging out but they still kept any offers available.)

The day had been long enough, Jongler on their way back after their late evening to close shift as Mike. Tenna had eventually settled after yapping way too long, and strangely enough, offering Mike to join in smoking with him which was.. interesting. They were sure that Tenna had long quit. As far as they knew, Mike didn't at all either. Regardless, they declined and started to head back when Tenna sent them off.

Jongler got their phone out, sending a couple texts, asking if Pluey or Battat wanted anything. Some night snacks or a simple dinner from some of the various vending options. They were fine with covering the cost, it seemed worth it if the two were happy and ate something. After long enough without an answer, Jongler didn't get anything. Figured they were all just waiting for their meeting to go ahead and go home. Jongler sure as hell would like to just sleep right about now anyways.

Jongler started peeling the jacket off as soon as the Mike door clicked shut, immediate relief on their buttons.

Just a glance over, Pluey and Battat were over on the couch together, hanging out for once. Maybe playing another card game together. Battat had introduced a good variety of different games to them as good ways to pass time.

Jongler hums, neatly placing aside their Mike costume. “Yous both ain’t gonna believe what I hafta say dis time. ‘Bout Tenna that is.”

Hard flinch from both Battat and Pluey, who from Jongler’s view were literally only sitting next to each other.

“Jongler- hey! Didn’t hear you come in-!”

Battat had turned and half gotten up, leaning over the back of the couch, Pluey flinging themselves forward simultaneously going out of view off of the couch.

Yeah okay, not weird at all.

“Everything alright?” Jongler went over, frowning with a ‘whats up’ look.

Battat remained sitting up on his knees, staring at Jongler who stood by the side of the couch now. Their gaze fell to Pluey who laid on the floor like it was his intention to stay there now.

“Yeah, all good.” Battat nodded, sitting back down fully as he glanced to Pluey. “Watching.. Videos.. Or something-”

“Or something?” Jongler questioned.

Pluey remained laying down, nodding.

These two were insufferable at times.

“Kay den… elaborate. You twos hiding somethin’ from me? None of yer phones are even out.”

“Scared Pluey, made him drop it under the couch.” Battat crossed his arms.

Pluey’s ears flicked, now shifting to sit up and shuffle as if just remembering that’s what he could have possibly gone down to find.

Jongler mimicked Battat, crossing their arms now. “Fess up, what’s happenin’?”

Battat kept still, unmoving, not reacting any different. “He’s finding his phone.” He says firmly.

“Uh huh.” Jongler shifted their gaze to Pluey who only looked as guilty as ever. Only had this look once before when accidentally knocking over Battat’s clue board scattering everything.

“Yous gonna tell me what’s up?” Jongler hums.

Pluey huffs, tail flicking before reaching under the couch and pulling out.. Jongler’s notebook.

“Pluey-” Battat began, hands reaching to take it, but Jongler was faster.

There was no way.

Absolutely no way.

They didn’t.

“Where did- yous shouldn’t have this!” Jongler clutched the book to their chest. As if holding its pages shut ensured neither of them saw anything.

Before either of them even had a chance to respond they continued. “Neither of yous should have this- I kept this somewhere safe in here! Where both of yous shouldn’t have found it!”

Battat sighs, reaching out to them. “Jongler-”

Jongler pulled back before contact was made, frown deepening.

“Either one of yous had to go diggin’ around just ta find this.”

“Pluey found it! Wanted to check it out together when I said it wasn’t mine!”

Pluey’s gaze turned to glare right at Battat, not yet standing from the floor.

“We were gonna put it back.”

Put it back? Knowing it wasn’t theirs to get out in the first place?

“Yous knew it was mine. Both of yous.”

Battat’s hands rubbed down his face, pulling at his eyes before he stood up from the couch.

“Okay, once we figured that out, duh, but we were going to put it back. And what, what’s the harm done? It’s just some writing-”

They couldn’t believe it.

The way Battat was handing this entire situation was just so-

“No harm done!” Jongler half laughed. “No harm done! No! In what world is it okay ta’ dig to find something and look at what ain’t yours, then lie about it to my face?! Especially when yous just said you knew it was mine, and kept lookin’ through it!”

“It’s just some writing!” Battat barks back, repeating himself as his hands motioned outwards to both sides. “God Jongler, what else could you possibly wanna hear.”

“Yous keep private things in here, and I don’t go diggin’ around! Even when it seems obvious, an’ you leave things layin’ out, I know it ain’t any a’ my business! I woulda thought that it would’ve been respected just the damn same!”

It was getting to be too much.

Everything was hot.

And fuck, they couldn’t help but just yell.

“But yous decided looking straight at me and bold face lyin’ about what yous two were up to was okay?! This-” Jongler taps frantically against the cover of the notebook before holding it out. “This is my private thing! My important, one personal thing, that I get!”

Battat stared back, arms at his sides, tense as his expression turned hard to read. Face scrunched up slightly as he stared at the notebook before back up to their face again.

They hadn’t realized till just now how hard breathing felt, how each breath was sucked in.

Pluey pushed himself against the couch to stand up, ears back as he held onto his own hands. Hesitating before starting to sign.

‘I’m sorry.’

“No-” Jongler points right over right at him. “No. Yous don’t getta pull dis now. Yous just as guilty.”

Pluey brought his hands back, clear he was trying to think of what to say next. What might make this better.

Whatever Pluey would come up with next, whatever stupid thing Battat could say next, Jongler was done.

They didn’t want to hear any more of it from either of them.

Jongler looked back down at the notebook, both hands back onto it like their life depended on it.

This whole thing was stupid.

“Where are you going-” Battat immediately started up as soon as Jongler turned to leave.

“Home.”

They left it at that, short, direct. They weren’t going to continue to stand there like it changed anything. Or give Battat another attempt to lie and let Pluey follow his lead.

The entire way home was a blur of taking in everything that went down.

Did neither of them see the problem? At least Pluey looked sorry! Meanwhile Battat was going to sit there and act like it was nothing when all he ever did was complain when things didn't go his exact way.

Don’t touch this, don’t touch that. Don’t say that, don’t act like that. Don’t talk to me I’m busy, go away we shouldn’t talk outside of the Mike room.

And getting started with Pluey? They’ve known the guy longer than Battat, and he was just a klepto! Yeah, real lucky that Jongler never really did anything about it before, but Pluey HAD a history of snooping and taking whatever he wanted! There shouldn’t be a reason for him to want to snoop on his friends!

The notebook was tossed onto the counter space of Jongler’s home as soon as they got in. Landing with a harsh slap as the door was pushed shut, Jongler simply beelined it for bed.

___

They came to work later on purpose. Well beyond time for Tenna to start his day and want morning Mike time.

Just barely before regular work hours where everyone usually flooded into the studio. Just in hopes that they wouldn’t have to see both Battat and Pluey at once.

Which was still a wrong guess.

Both of them were waiting around when Jongler eventually did show up.

“Great.” Jongler wasn’t going to hide the remaining frustration, not even through the doorway when they saw the two waiting.

Pluey was leaning against a wall, arms crossed where his hands gripped his upper arms. Apparently the only other interesting thing was staring at the floor right before they perked at seeing Jongler.

Meanwhile Battat was pacing. Not his usual, ‘busy thinking about the board’ pace area, but another spot across the room. Hands busy fidgeting with his own fingers. Wasting no time in speaking, seeing as Jongler didn’t even close the door yet.

“Hear me out- please, Jongler.”

Having turned from his place to take a few steps towards Jongle. Still several feet away but putting all of his attention on them.

Fuck.

“Listen, guys- I don’t know, okay.” Jongler rubbed the back of their neck, increasing pressure in hopes to not tense up again too much. “I don’t want to get into this right now.”

“No, you’re right. I don’t know why I lied in the first place, or why we even kept reading after figuring out it was yours.”

“Batts, just- please. Stop. I don’t need some forced apology just ta make it better or make me not mad at either of yous.”

Battat motions at himself with both hands at his chest. “What else am I supposed to say then? You want to stay mad?”

“Not what I said-” Jongler’s head was already starting to hurt.

Pluey waved his hands out for both of them to stop, walking over to join in before the two ended up in another argument. He looked over at Battat, some silent agreement between the two as the Pippins began to nod.

Battat sighs, shrugging as he looked down. “Okay, so Pluey and I did talk more, obviously- Actual truth is, we were getting worried about you. You’ve been acting off, like, nervous and stuff, and we wanted to find out why.”

“Yous coulda just.. Talked to me? Asked me?”

“Yeah- I don’t know- Pluey, after you left, said we did handle it similar to how when we look for Mike stuff.. Being all secretive and all I guess.” He shrugs again, picking at his own fingers as he continues. “I wanted to ask you before, about you leaving early or why you act like you’ve been caught doing something wrong whenever we come back around.”

Jongler listened, not responding quite yet, which made Battat glance back up and hurriedly add in more.

“And of course you have the freedom to do whatever you want- I don’t care! The thing looked- it was cool, okay. And I don’t really want you to like- hate me, I guess- I don’t know actually. Whatever, stay mad if you want.”

Battat spun and walked off, an attempt to abandon the topic.

Pluey stared over in near disbelief before looking at Jongler with the same guilty expression as last night.

Jongler just sighs, taking in everything Battat said as they looked back at Pluey. “Is alla dat true?”

A nod, not attempting any other means of communication yet.

“Well… I get ya both meant well, just.. Lyin’ to me about it hurts. Even more so when I didn’t want anyone lookin’ through it.”

Pluey nodded again, mostly to show acknowledgement before starting to sign back.

‘We didn’t know. I would have put it back.’

“Yeah.. it’s.. I get it. It’s fine.” Jongler said, much softer spoken by now. Doing their best to brush the whole moment off. “I thought about tellin’ ya both to leave it alone, we share this space in a way so.. I get it.”

‘I liked it.’

A brief pause as Pluey was gauging how Jongler seemed to react before continuing.

‘You write well.’ He smiled.

They.. actually didn’t know how to take that.

How to feel about the compliment.

“Oh- thanks- uhm.. It’s just.. Freetime is all-” They turned enough to watch Battat. “Boss, c’mon, it’s fine.” Jongler called back over to him, watching as he was already rushing to just get the Mike suit on and get out of there.

“Mike’s already late, but I hear you. If you bring it back around, I won’t even touch it. Even if it's in the way of my stuff or something. Do as you please.” Shoving the fake Mike head over his own as he opened the door.

Just as quickly he was gone.

Jongler shook their head, “Whys he gotta be so difficult at times-”

Pluey reached out softly, getting their attention again.

‘He liked it too. I had to convince him to want to talk though, knowing how he is.’ Pluey took his time, thinking about their next choice of words. ‘He does feel bad, we did honestly talk before this. If you’re okay with it, I’d love to read more. I’m sure Battat would too.’

Jongler hesitated on responding, a weird mix of further embarrassment and excitement at the last part.

“Maybe? I get Batts is tryin’, but.. I dunno. I’ll think about letting yous read more.”

Pluey nods quickly, opening their arms slightly, a silent question. Or a plea to confirm that everything was okay.

If it could be obvious, Jongler would roll their eyes. Moving over and pulling Pluey into a firm hug. “Yeah yeah.”

Pluey hugged back gladly, a soft purr emitting from him before pulling back to sign again.

‘Can you tell me more about it?’

“The book-? I could- I mean, I’m a few notebooks in right about now actually, but I could try an’ explain the basic idea.”

Pluey tugged on Jongler.

Guess that meant right now. Pluey wasn’t in a rush to go anywhere and Jongler certainly had nothing else to do at the moment.

Their stomach still felt nervous, but maybe it’ll be okay. Sharing their ideas with someone who genuinely wanted to listen might be a nice change.