Archive of Our Own

The screeching machines were her daily melody. Her routine. They descended floor by floor to gather any supplies that might be useful, all while grotesque, twisted creatures stalked them in the dark. The growls, the sound of dragging, the weeping—it all plagued their minds and hearts. A single oversight and they would be devoured like prey in the meadow. While the predators followed closely, snapping at their heels, they had only one target in mind: to tear them to pieces, rip their flesh, drink their blood, bite their bones, and play with their corpses, sporting sadistic smiles, showing no mercy, no heart—just pure perversion. But they couldn't stop. They had to keep going without objection; that was their destiny, their condemnation.

Runs were not Vee’s favorite activity. If it were up to her, she would rather do anything else just to avoid those missions. However, being one of the star extractors, she was always called upon. It wasn't the way she wanted others to cheer for her presence.

Today was just as exhausting as the rest. She was tired—spent. Her hands were shaking, and her internal fans rushed to regulate her temperature. Her antennas swayed with every subtle movement she made, electricity running through them and throwing off faint, bright sparks with a tiny buzz that lasted less than a second—yet another testament to her fatigue. She just wanted to go back to the darkness of her room and sleep. She hadn't brought any spare batteries, so she was moments away from shutting down and collapsing. She was sick of everything. Sick of depending on others just to stay alive during the runs. Sick of Sprout constantly reminding her to be careful. She already knew! She couldn't just magically change her stats.

—Vee, be more careful! —

—I heard you, Seedly. — She wasn't in the mood; she was direct and sharp.

—Cheer up, Vee! You did a great job! — the paleontologist said enthusiastically. The host wished she could be as optimistic as her.

—Are you kidding, Shelly? I almost got myself killed on that last floor. — She was frustrated.

Sprout and Shelly exchanged worried glances. Things had been very tense with Vee lately; she had distanced herself from most of the characters. She barely even left her room. Astro sighed, pulling his back away from the wall he had been leaning against. Stepping up next to Vee, he felt her tension as he placed one of his stars on her shoulder. He smiled softly at her, managing to calm her down momentarily.

—Take a break, Vee. You need it. —

—I know, thanks Astro. —

—That's not fair! You never snap at him! — Sprout declared, rather jealous. Vee clearly favored Astro in everything.

Shelly just laughed, while Astro simply patted Sprout's head with his other star. Vee said nothing. There was truly a tidal wave of emotions eating her alive inside, driving her crazy. There were so many things she didn't want to say out loud, things she wasn't proud of at all—mostly because she didn't want to ruin her friendships over a moment of weakness when self-destructive thoughts overwhelmed her. It was better to pretend nothing was wrong; maybe eventually it would stop bothering her so much, maybe eventually she could forget it.

Finally, the elevator doors opened. There was a group of toons waiting for their return. Yatta practically jumped out of the elevator into Blot's arms, wrapping her legs around his torso.

—BLOT! Did you miss me? — the acrobat asked, being held by the mime.

— .eiteews esruoc fO — he said with absolute sweetness.

Several toons found it heartwarming to see the loving couple welcome each other. Vee felt uncomfortable—how could they show so much affection? She preferred to stay out of it. Looey stepped out from behind Yatta, exhausted from today's run. Blot patted his head while Yatta remained clung to him. Glisten stepped out of the elevator like the star he is, greeted by little Toodles and Rodger.

—Goodness, what would you all do without me? —he said, flattering himself.

Rodger sighed; it was typical behavior for the mirror.

The rest started filtering out, several gathering into their respective groups. Sprout stopped paying attention to Vee the moment he spotted Cosmo. Astro greeted the twin masks with a soft smile, still looking a bit sleepy. Shelly and Tisha stepped out to greet Brightney, who was looking around for Vee—but while everyone was distracted, she had practically fled.

—Did she run away again? — Sprout asked when he realized the host had slipped away from him once more. —I wish she were that fast at running away during the runs! — he complained dramatically.

—I'm worried… — Shelly said sadly. Lately, she could barely even get a word out of Vee. Tisha comforted her.

—I've tried talking to her, but she doesn't even want to leave her room. — Brightney adjusted her glasses. This situation was escalating too much.

Astro frowned upon hearing all this. He hadn't noticed until now, but he barely saw Vee anymore. They used to be so much closer, but lately, they only saw each other if they happened to be on the same team. Just now finding out about everything his friend was going through, a wave of guilt hit him; he had stopped visiting her ever since he started hanging out with Razzle and Dazzle. —I'll try to talk to her later. —

Sprout instantly brightened up. Astro was Vee's favorite! If anyone could get her to open up, it was definitely him. —Go get 'em, Astro! — the strawberry and the ammonite cheered energetically.

( ✧ )

Vee managed to slip away momentarily. She ran all the way to Dandy's shop, but he wasn't there right now. She cursed under her breath and tried to turn back to ask Brightney for help, but suddenly, her screen went black. Her body fell backward, knocking her completely unconscious.

It lasted only a few seconds. Warm hands were holding her, and when her vision flickered back to life, she saw Dyle looking down at her with a worried expression. —Dyle? —

—Oh, Miss Vee. I'm so glad you're alright! I was coming back from my break and found you lying on the floor, completely unresponsive! I'm so glad you're feeling better. —

The clock helped her sit up, slipping a newly opened battery pack into his coat pocket. Vee sighed in relief. —Thanks, Dyle. I owe you one. —

Dyle smiled. —Really? Good, because I need help with something. — He took her words completely literally.

Vee blinked in disbelief. Was he serious? Well, she had just said it herself, so she had no choice but to agree and follow him.

They stepped into the clock's shop. It was her first time inside Dyle's shop, and it was much better organized than Dandy's. The man rummaged behind some boxes and pulled out an old portable gramophone—it was incredible that the thing was practically intact!

—Well, a few days ago, it stopped working, so I haven't been able to listen to my favorite tunes — he explained, placing it on the counter. Vee sat nearby, examining it closely. —While I admire Dandy's good taste, I'd also like to be able to listen to my own melodies on my own. —

—I got this. Give me a second and I'll fix it right up. —

Dyle smiled, gathering everything Vee might need to fix his gramophone.

( ✧ )

Vee screwed everything back into place. She had taken off her jacket, leaving her in just her suspender pants and baggy shirt. Dyle had also removed his coat and set it aside; apparently, both shared the same taste for pinstripe pants with suspenders. The clock was restless; he would be utterly devastated if his beloved companion didn't work again.

—Alright. It should work now. — Vee said, placing the gramophone in the center.

Dyle quickly fetched one of his records—a copy of Giovanni Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. The melody played cleanly: frantic violins, and powerful Soprano and Contralto voices. The clock was overjoyed; finally, he could listen to his operas in peace!

—It sounds even better than before! Oh, I am so grateful to you! —

Any other toon would have pulled the host into a tight hug, but not Dyle. He simply extended his hand for a handshake. Vee felt comfortable with that; she didn't enjoy spontaneous physical contact either. She shook the clock’s hand. He was beaming with happiness, a stark contrast to his usual tired and grumpy expression, which she found quite unusual. This was a unique opportunity to talk to the shopkeeper.

—Right. I’d like to consult you about something. — Vee began awkwardly.

—Is it about Dandicus? —

—How did you-? —

—I had a feeling you would ask sooner or later; I am very observant. In any case, ask whatever you like, Miss Vee—it is my way of thanking you. —

Vee let out everything she was feeling. In a way, after years, they had finally been able to talk properly, but since then, Dandy kept maintaining his distance—something that frustrated her. Why did he keep pretending nothing was wrong? Dyle crossed his legs, listening intently.

—I understand your concern. Dandicus is a difficult man; he prefers to handle things on his own rather than ask for help. It’s a bad habit. — He subtly adjusted Vee’s antenna, making her startle for a second. —And above all, he won't say things directly. Not unless he is cornered. A situation where he absolutely must engage in a conversation with you is the best way to get him to be honest. What he dislikes most is not getting the attention he so desperately craves. —

He remembered with exact precision every single argument he'd had with his dear friend in the past. If you went more than ten minutes without paying attention to him, he became unbearable—like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum for attention. Vee thought about it for a second. A terrible idea came to her mind, but it was the only way Dandy wouldn't be able to ignore her.

—Alright, I have an idea. Thanks for your help, Dyle. —

—Don't mention it. I am glad I could help clear up your questions. —

—Hello, old friend! What brings you here? —

—I want to do a solo run. —

Dandy froze. This had to be a joke, right?

To his misfortune, it wasn't.

The first night wasn't too bad—only five floors before she was down to her last life, forced to return to the surface. The second was horrible: three floors, and a twisted Scraps almost turned her into mush. Then followed days and days. She was getting sick of it; she didn't think she could keep up the act much longer.

—Vee. We've been here for hours. Please, stop. —

The television was a total wreck; her screen was cracked from the impact of Sprout's tentacle, and she was covered in dents and bruises. But she wasn't going to give up—not until Dandy spoke.

—Are you going to talk? — she asked bluntly.

Dandy could only offer a forced smile. He was exhausted, the dark circles under his eyes worse than before. He just wanted to end all this nonsense; why couldn't she just take night walks like a normal toon? Receiving no answer, Vee decided to keep going.

There was one thing worrying Vee, and it was already taking a toll on her: her limbs weren't going to hold out much longer. Veronica used to be the one who helped maintain her, but now, no one was there to help with that. Her arms and legs were completely un-oiled, showing scuffs and dents from the constant attacks of the twisted. Furthermore, her body hadn't been designed for this kind of heavy activity; therefore, it wasn't sturdy enough to withstand getting hit so frequently. She tried to repair it, but it didn't work. She knew her joints were too worn down; they would stop working properly any day now.

Even though she was battered and bruised, she managed to make it very far on her own. Twenty-five floors alone. Over time, she learned to read the attention span patterns of the twisted. Some had incredibly short attention spans. Goob and Scraps weren't as fast as she used to think; the only advantage they had was their ranged attacks. She now possessed a whole arsenal of information and strategies to survive. She was very proud of herself, and it had only taken her nearly a week!

She wasn't prepared for what came next.

The next floor was an absolute nightmare. Six twisted: Gigi, Goob, Sprout, Shelly, Scraps, and the worst of them all—Pebble.

The moment she stepped out of the elevator, Gigi snatched the chocolate box she had been guarding so carefully. Vee moved quickly; she was in the parking lot level. At least there was light! Goob and Scraps usually stuck together—some sort of sibling nature, even while twisted. She made her way to the center of it all, activating a machine before Sprout could spot her, hiding behind a crate as soon as he passed. Her ultimate concern was the dog. She completed all the machines as fast as she could, grabbing random items from the floor—stealth candies, extraction candies—just so Gigi wouldn't take the bandage she had in her inventory.

Scraps and Goob saw her more than once, but it wasn't hard to lose them by ducking behind a machine or looping around the cars. Shelly was definitely tough to shake off, but she preferred being spotted by her over Pebble. She had six out of eight machines done. She was finishing up a machine located by the fake elevator, inside the small security guard room. The last one was in the other security office on the opposite side of the floor, right next to the elevator.

She tried to move as fast as possible. Scraps, Goob, and Gigi were hovering around the hallway; Shelly and Sprout were by the car area. Her only option was to go right through the middle of the floor. She ran with everything she had, but to her misfortune, she was spotted from a distance by her worst nightmare. The dog barked frantically, charging at full speed toward the host.

She tried to sprint for the gates, but the dog overtook her, biting her leg. Vee cried out as she fell face down onto the floor, being dragged by the furious twisted. One of her hearts vanished; she quickly used the bandage she was holding. Suddenly, the number of eyes multiplied—all the twisted were locking onto her. She activated her last resort: the smoke bomb she had scavenged from the security office. She slammed it against the floor; the dog let her go, and she quickly limped toward the gates, slipping into the small room.

She placed her trembling hands on the valve, turning it in a sheer panic. She was almost there. Her arms could barely respond, and her leg was shaking. She felt like she was extracting slower than she usually did. The alarms in her head were going off one after another. She activated her ability; Scraps was close. The machine went from red to green. The elevator doors slid open.

Vee limped into the elevator, her heart hammering against her chest. A whip-like crack echoed—a final attack from Scraps right before the host collapsed inside the elevator. She was down to one life, but she was safe.

Dandy’s shop opened. She was ready to withdraw from this run; she truly didn't believe she could survive another floor. Before she could even speak, Dandy shouted.

—Enough, Vee! You win! —

His hands were trembling, his face a mask of absolute anguish. —Don't keep going. Please, I can't stand watching you hurt yourself like this anymore... —

He stepped out of his shop, walking feebly toward the television, and pulled her into a deep, tight embrace. Vee froze; she hadn't expected that sudden physical contact. —Please, I can't tell you anything about Operation Ichor. But I can watch old episodes with you if you want! I'll do whatever it takes! Just... please, let's go back. —

Her plan had worked! She had been losing all hope, but fortunately, her perseverance won this battle. And she was deeply grateful for it—she was at her absolute limit.

—Alright. I'm ready to go back. Let's head up. —

They were finally in the lobby. It had been a horrible day. Dandy was exhausted, barely understanding what was happening around him. He felt the heaviness in his body, his heart still hammering wildly—rattled by the desperate ordeal his rival had caused. What was the point of all this? Her bold audacity was stripping his nerves raw. He pulled a first-aid kit and some tools from the shop; he needed to repair Vee’s screen and try to fix her leg. The host was sitting on a cushion in the office. Was it his imagination, or was the place messier than before?

The flower approached cautiously. He lifted Vee’s pant leg, rolling it up above the knee, his eyes narrowing the moment he saw the damage. "This is bad. Vee, your legs are rusted! How did you even stay on your feet until now?! If I had known this from the start, I would have never allowed you to go out there alone—better yet, I would have never let you participate in the runs at all!"

—I guess I got lucky. Though it looks like I don't have much of it left. —

—Vee. You could collapse at any moment! I am forbidding you from participating in runs from now on! — It wasn't a request; it was a direct order.

—Hey, you can't do that! — Oh, wait, actually, that was a good thing for her.

—I don't want to hear any complaints. I am serious. —

A few bandages wouldn't be enough. He stood up, searching his office for anything that might be useful. He pulled out a can of lubricant and oil—it was for cars, but it was the only thing available that might work. He tried his best to reconnect the loose wires. He wasn't a mechanics expert, but he knew how Vee’s body functioned, and that was enough. Carefully, he used industrial tape to cover the entire wound, applying the oil and lubricant to most of her leg, especially around the joints. This explained why she had become so slow over time; her legs could barely support her own weight.

—This should hold for now. But it's not a permanent fix; we'll have to do something about those legs of yours. — He massaged his forehead, stressed. Now he had to figure out how to keep Vee from collapsing at any given second. For now, it was best if she avoided any activities requiring too much movement.

—Hey. Thanks. — the host said, adjusting the hem of her pants.

—Is that all you have to say? ARE YOU STUPID?! — Dandy stood up, furious. The exhaustion was taking its toll, even more so now that he realized Vee had recklessly put herself in danger. —Are you happy now? You call yourself a genius, but you are a massive idiot! DIDN'T YOU THINK YOU COULD HAVE COMPLETELY RUINED YOUR JOINTS?! —

Vee's tail lashed furiously, snaking across the floor, her antennas shooting sparks. She snapped upright, confronting the flower. Not even his height advantage could intimidate her. She did all of this because she had no other choice!

—And what about you?! — Vee shouted, white-hot with rage. —YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME! I don't even like doing runs! I only go because everyone ends up dragging me along just for my skills! YOU WERE THE ONE WHO MADE ME JOIN THAT STUPIDITY IN THE FIRST PLACE! — She shoved him, sending him tumbling back onto the couch where he had been sitting earlier. "I did this because you wouldn't talk to me the easy way!"

—...You did WHAT? — Dandicus exclaimed, bewildered.

—This was the only way I could get close to you without you hiding like a damn coward in your stupid shop! I just wanted you to talk to me! — Her hands were shaking, her tail smacking against whatever was nearby. Her internal fans worked at full blast, trying to cool down her system; she could even feel the batteries melting inside her head.

—...You did all of this just to get my attention? —

—OF COURSE I DID, YOU DAMN IDIOT! —

—WHY? —

Vee didn't know how to answer that. It was true—she wasn't supposed to like Dandy. Why was she even worrying about him in the first place? Now, she herself doubted her own intentions, unable to find a logical answer. Nostalgia? They used to get along okay in the past. It was only after she felt the pressure of Vee Version 2 that she started pushing herself too hard, to the point of surpassing Dandy, which ultimately fractured their friendship.

—I don't know... I don't even understand why I care so much about you. —

Dandy's eyes softened. —You were worried about me? —

—YES!... — The television couldn't handle the way he was looking at her—that stupid expression of longing. Why did he have to look at her with so much affection and concern? It only confused her more! —DROP DEAD! —

Vee stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind her. Dandy could only sit there, feeling his face flush bright red. He buried his face in his hands. What kind of confession was that? It was unheard of to think that his biggest rival was willing to risk her own physical safety just to make him pay attention to her.

Vee felt stupid.

It was cowardly of her to run away in the middle of an argument. But she had truly been at her limit; she hadn't wanted her emotions to overflow like that. She couldn't blame Dandy for calling her an idiot—she had only caused him trouble. Perhaps the solo run plan had been a terrible idea. The flower didn't have the same capacity to endure entire days without sleep; she was a machine, so it was natural for her to just swap out her battery, but Dandy couldn't do that. She smacked her screen with her hands; it was already cracked anyway. She didn't have the courage to go back and ask him to repair her, not after exploding at him like that. She would just find a way to fix herself later.

She walked back to her room, feeling her body heavy. Her joints were bothersome. She was incapable of feeling real pain; she only knew what it felt like to have a loose wire—strange, uncomfortable. That was how it felt every time she took a hit. Perhaps if she were organic, she would be writhing in sheer pain right now. It was one of those rare moments when she was grateful not to be organic.

Her walk was silent, buried deep in her thoughts. Remembering Dandy’s understanding expression sent a jolt of disturbance through her wires. It made her remember easier times when, despite their nature as rivals, there were moments where just being together was genuinely pleasant. Perhaps she had done all of this because she missed those moments.

—I ruined it. — That was her conclusion. Why couldn't she be more patient like Sprout? Perhaps if she were more optimistic like Shelly, or more understanding like Astro.

As soon as the elevator stopped, she stepped out onto the Main Toons' floor. Looking ahead, her heart sank, and she froze. Astro was leaning against her door; it looked like he had spent the whole night waiting for her. A heavy wave of guilt settled into her system. She tried to approach cautiously, not wanting to wake him, though she would have to if she wanted to get into her room. But when she was just a few paces away, the moon woke up on his own. He looked upset, which was completely out of character for him, and that only triggered more anxiety in Vee.

—Care to tell me where you've been? — Astro asked. His voice, usually so calm, now carried an angry edge.

—I'm sorry, Astro. I didn't know you were waiting for me. —

—That's not the problem, Vee. What is going on with you? —

Vee tried to keep her distance. She couldn't tell him what she had been doing, she couldn't tell him about her argument with Dandy, and above all, she couldn't tell him what was happening to her.

—It's nothing. I just... wanted to be alone. —

—Do you really think I'm going to believe that? — He looked exhausted; for several nights now, he had been trying to talk to her. —Vee, I can't help you if you don't tell me anything. You disappear all day, you barely speak to any of us... and now I find out you're not even in your room at night! What is going on with you? — Astro tried to step closer.

Vee backed away. She didn't want him to notice her shattered screen. —It's nothing! I can handle it on my own! —

—Don't lie to me, Vee! — He kept trying to close the distance. —Why won't you tell me anything? Aren't we supposed to be best friends? —

Friends. Just that. That phrase sent a deep, piercing ache through her head.

Of course. This whole thing had started because she felt uncomfortable around Astro; she felt guilty for being a horrible friend. Astro had a partner now; he had found someone who gave him all the happiness he deserved, while she had been the fool who built up a stupid fantasy in her head. She was the fool who fell in love with her best friend. She was the fool who preferred to run away because her heart ached every time she saw the boy she liked being happy with someone else.

Vee is selfish. She is stupid. Why would anyone ever choose her? She is just an obsolete piece of technology, like Sprout says. She is just a useful tool, like Rodger thinks. The others only seek her out when she can be of use to them. She is a machine. She is a television. She is an obsolete piece of junk. No one ever chooses her—not even Veronica, who claimed to love her so much. Not Astro, who only ever saw her as a shoulder to lean on. Not even her own creator saw her as anything more. He only saw her defects. He only saw her flaws. He only saw her as an old appliance that needed to be thrown away. That is all she ever is.

—I... I just... — She was about to panic, desperately trying to regain her composure, her confidence, pretending she was in control of the situation.

She prayed for the earth to swallow her whole, for something to happen that could help her escape this situation. She didn't want to face Astro. She was a coward. She preferred to run away rather than say what she was feeling—it wasn't that she liked being this way, it wasn't that she didn't trust him, it was just that her own fear was stronger. She wanted to scream about how awful she felt; it wasn't that she was being closed off just for the sake of it, it was that she genuinely wasn't capable of putting what was happening in her head into words. It was like a pressure in her chest, an unfounded dread. Her mind was only sending alert signals. What if telling the truth made Astro hate her? What would Sprout think of her, seeing her be so selfish? Even Shelly might be disappointed in her if she dared to say anything!

She couldn't control it. Every time she tried to speak, her voice made no sound at all. She couldn't express it; she only felt the oppression in her chest making her tremble, making her cry. Why couldn't she just say what she really felt? Why did she just have to resign herself to listening to the horrible comments about her? Why did it hurt so much?

If only she were normal. If only she weren't exactly the way she is. She just wished she could be someone else. She just wanted to feel like she was more than just simple binary code.

—Hey guys! What are you two doing around here? —

For a second, she felt like Dandy was her guardian angel.

The flower appeared right beside them. Astro looked bewildered—what was Dandy doing here?

—Dandy... I was just trying to talk to Vee. I'm worried about her; she's been so distant lately, just-. —

—Oh, don't worry about it! That was my fault! — the star replied with a broad smile—the exact same one he had practiced for so many years, to the point where he could smile with absolute falsehood and no one would ever notice.

—I was trying to refurbish the Veemail! — He pulled an electronic device from his small bag that looked similar to Vee; at one point, everyone on the Gardenview staff had one. —But you know, I'm sooo bad with technology, so what better way to fix it than to have the original inspiration solve it for me! —

Vee was tense. She wouldn't look at either of them, but she let Dandy guide her. —Ow. I didn't want to ruin the surprise! — Vee slipped into character. Just like in her shows.

That was her specialty: acting. Pretending nothing was wrong, sweeping her fears under the rug. She put on her best smile, her star-studded posture, her gaze full of confidence she didn't actually feel. She simply stepped back into her role; she had to maintain the illusion of who she was. Vee V1, the television host—someone with charming charisma, complete confidence, fearless. Flawless. Just perfectly playing the part she had been given.

—Well, this technological simpleton required my incredible skills, so I was kind enough to agree. That's why I've been missing all this time! It was a surprise for you guys. —

Astro was surprised. "So it was just that? Geez, Vee, you worried me sick! Please, next time just say so, you don't have to act so mysterious."

—I'm sorry, Astro. I'll keep that in mind! —

The moon was convinced. How could he not believe Dandy? He was his great best friend! —Alright, then I'll go get some rest. You two should do the same. Goodnight, guys. —

—See ya! — Dandy waved goodbye, full of energy, as Astro vanished into the darkness.

The moment he was gone, Dandy's mask fell. His typical smile vanished, replaced by an expression of pure exhaustion. Luckily, he had managed to de-escalate the situation. He had only come upstairs because he remembered Vee's screen was cracked and he couldn't leave her like that—and the moment he saw her on the verge of a breakdown, about to panic, he decided to intervene. Seeing her in such a vulnerable state was painful. Astro couldn't see it because he was too sleepy, but Dandy could. It was that expression where you know you've hit rock bottom, and you just wish you could disappear—you just wish you could die.

—...Thank you... I suppose. — Vee offered, confused. She hadn't thought Dandy could save her from such an awkward situation.

She wanted to hide. She tried to slip into her room, but she was cornered against the door, her back pressed against the wood. Dandy’s hands were on either side of her, his expression deadly serious.

—Do you think I'm going to let you escape again? —

Vee blinked. She didn't know how to respond to that.

Dandy opened the door for her, stepping into the room with her and closing it behind them so no one would interrupt. "Astro is right. What is going on with you lately? You are destroying yourself. We can't help you if you don't tell us what's wrong."

Vee backed away, not daring to say a word. She didn't want to say anything; she just wanted to disconnect and pray she'd never power back on. Even she didn't know what she was feeling. Was it because of Astro? Was it the pain of Veronica's absence? Was it the fear that everyone would get tired of her for being useless? Or was it the ache of knowing that, in Arthur's eyes, she was replaceable?

She didn't realize she was hyperventilating until she felt Dandy's arms wrapping around her body. Dandy's warmth contrasted sharply with the coldness of her mechanical frame.

—If you don't want to talk, don't. I'm not going to pressure you. I only beg you, please, stop doing things that hurt you. — Dandy's voice sounded broken. First, it had been Vee who comforted him in a moment of weakness; now, it was his turn to comfort her. Finally, the host couldn't take it anymore. She broke. She burst into tears against him, her body trembling, her voice distorting.

—Why does it hurt so much? Why can't I go back to what I used to be? Why am I like this?! — How she wished she could be someone else.

Dandy listened, intertwining his hands with hers, his touch delicate and sweet. He treated her with a level of care and affection she felt she didn't deserve—not after causing him so much trouble, not after acting like such an idiot toward him.

They spent a few minutes like that until her crying subsided. She was spent, her body feeling numb. Dandy helped her sit on the bed, never letting go of her for a single moment, keeping his hands over hers—a reminder that, despite everything, he was right there.

—I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. —

—It's okay, Vee. I'm here and I'm not leaving. I'll stay as long as you want. —

Vee nodded, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her, finally allowing herself to be comforted by Dandy.