Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This was it. The point of no return. Medkit had fled from his former partner after a devastating fight—the details of which he desperately wished to erase. He had once believed their relationship would endure, but he had been wrong. Their final, explosive argument was inevitable, and when it came, Medkit did the only thing he could: he ran.

He fled far away, relocating to a different part of Blackrock to bury the past and forge a new life. It was time to begin a new journey and pretend the trauma had never happened.

Fortunately, a chance for renewal arrived when Medkit was accepted for a position at a Blackrock research facility—a hub where scientists collaborated to make groundbreaking discoveries. This was his long-awaited opportunity, a job that finally aligned with his passion for science and engineering.

It was a bitter irony, then, that his own innate abilities felt so utterly mismatched to his calling. He often wished they were geared toward engineering, something practical and constructive. But there was no use in complaining; he was born this way, and he had no choice but to accept it.

Medkit prepared for his first day at the Blackrock research facility with mechanical precision, executing his morning routine by rote. He dressed in his new uniform, the fabric still stiff and unfamiliar. Pausing before the mirror, he assessed his reflection—the image was neat, clean, even professional. It was a start.

After a final, bracing sip of black coffee from the kitchenette, he collected his gear and stepped out of his dorm. The door clicked shut behind him, a definitive sound. It was his first day, and he allowed himself a single, quiet hope: that whoever he was assigned to collaborate with would be kind to him.

When Medkit went outside, he was greeted by his boss. His boss was nice, polite even. The boss showed him around the facility. Showing around the building to be familiarized with. And then, the boss then lead him to his assigned lab. “Ready to meet your partner?” the boss said enthusiastically, he gave Medkit a smile and didn’t give him time to answer. He quickly walked in, the lab door hissed open and presented him with the lab. The lab was quite.. Messy. On his partner’s side atleast. But to his side, it was pristine, clean, neat. Just as he liked it. The boss then explained on what he’s going to do and what he’s going to do. Medkit nodded as he listened, and then he was introduced to his partner.

His new partner was a four-horned inphernal who seemed to radiate infectious energy. He was speaking with the boss, his demeanor both joyous and efficient. The boss, clearly impressed, clapped him on the shoulder and called him “Blackrock’s future great scientist.” Medkit maintained his composure, quietly observing the dynamic from a few steps away.

“And this is Medkit,” the boss said, turning. “He’ll be your new partner from now on.”

The inphernal—Subspace—turned his brilliant smile and sharp eyes toward Medkit, extending a hand. He had the unmistakable air of a genius, a creature of pure, witty intellect. Medkit’s gaze flickered past him to the cluttered workshop, teeming with half-finished inventions and buzzing machinery. Seeing the tangible evidence of his productivity, Medkit understood exactly why the boss had bestowed such a lofty title.

The moment the boss departed, Subspace’s joyous demeanor vanished, replaced by an intimidating aura that felt as sharp as his horns. Medkit watched, his senses heightening as the inphernal’s manic energy solidified into a cold glare.

“You’re the third partner they’ve assigned me this week. Seriously?” Subspace mused, closing the distance between them. His voice dropped to a venomous hiss. “If you’re going to be here, make yourself useful. Be valuable. Don't be another useless prick like my former colleagues.”

The shift was jarring, instantly shattering the good impression from moments before. It had all been an act for the boss.

“What makes you think I’ll be a useless prick without even getting to know me?” Medkit snapped back, refusing to accept the disrespect.

Subspace’s eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. A slow, intrigued smirk spread across his face. "Feisty, huh?"

Medkit merely sighed, turning his back to settle his belongings at his new workstation. “I refuse to be disrespected, is all.”

In a flash, Subspace was at his desk, slamming a hand down on the surface. “Since you are in my lab, we have rules,” he declared, his voice dripping with pride. Medkit could already tell this inphernal was profoundly obnoxious. “One: you don’t touch my stuff unless I tell you to. Two: you only do as I say. And three: make yourself valuable at all times. Be the perfect asset to Blackrock. Or else I’ll throw you out like the rest. Do you understand?”

“For someone I just met, you’re incredibly bossy.”

Subspace took immediate offense, scoffing. “Well, of course. I am Blackrock’s future great scientist. I don't have time for pricks getting in the way of my goal.”

All Medkit could offer in return was a defeated huff. It was going to be a very long assignment.

"Anyway! I have work for you," Subspace announced, his tone shifting to a false, breezy cordiality. He scooped a stack of documents from his own chaotic workstation and unceremoniously dropped them onto Medkit's clean surface. "If you could please help me identify which of these components are viable for my experiments, I might even change my mind about you."

Medkit picked up the topmost document, his eyes scanning the complex schematics and material lists with practiced speed. After a moment, he let out a contemplative hum. "Rest assured," he stated, his voice even and confident. "It will be done in thirty minutes. Or less."

Subspace responded with a prideful hum of his own, a smirk playing on his lips. "We'll see, newbie." With that, he turned and strode back to his side of the lab, leaving Medkit to the task. 

Exactly thirty minutes later, Medkit approached Subspace’s workstation and dropped the annotated documents onto the cluttered surface. The rustle of paper snapped Subspace from his focus. His jaw went slack.

He hadn't been joking.

Subspace spun around to find Medkit standing with the same stoic composure he had maintained all morning, utterly unfazed by his own efficiency.

“You’re… you’re finished?” Subspace stammered, the words laced with disbelief.

Medkit gave a single, curt nod.

“W-what if you missed something!?” Subspace spluttered, snatching the papers and scrambling for a flaw. “You know these components are exceptionally hard to find—“

But he was wrong. They were easy to find, at least for a mind like Medkit's. The annotations were not only correct but insightful, noting potential alternatives and synergies Subspace himself had overlooked.

It was undeniable. In Medkit, he had finally found his match. He should have been elated—here was the intellectual peer, the perfect partner he ostensibly needed. But in that moment, all he could feel was the sting of being surpassed. His jaw remained agape, his pride thoroughly, and silently, checkmated.

Subspace cleared his throat, the sharp sound cutting through his stunned silence. He straightened his posture, a calculated attempt to reclaim the upper hand.

"Well then," he began, his voice regaining its usual prideful lilt. "It seems I was wrong about you. You have... quite impressed me with your efficiency."

Medkit simply crossed his arms, his expression unmoved. "My intention wasn't to impress you," he replied coolly. "But sure."

Without another word, he turned and walked back to his workstation, leaving his partner behind. The dismissal was silent but absolute, and for the second time that day, Subspace was left with nothing to say.

The first day had been truly eventful, culminating in Subspace's stunned acknowledgment of Medkit's efficiency. Yet, Medkit had simply continued his work as if he hadn't fundamentally shaken the scientist's worldview. The second day was, to Medkit, entirely unremarkable—just work. Then came the third, the fourth, the fifth, until a full week had passed.

In that time, they fell into a formidable, if reluctant, rhythm. Subspace tinkered with his volatile experiments, and Medkit provided the indispensable foundation, his engineering prowess turning theoretical chaos into functional reality. Subspace couldn't deny it; his new partner's mind was a perfect, complementary instrument. After so many disastrous collaborations with lesser colleagues, he felt, against all odds, blessed. This inphernal was his intellectual equal—a surprise so profound it bordered on the unbelievable.

As Medkit was engrossed in his work, Subspace approached and deposited another stack of documents onto his workstation, launching into a rapid, excited babble about their importance for his latest experiment. Medkit offered a silent nod and began sorting through the papers without a word of complaint. A faint, genuine smile touched Subspace's lips. At last, here was a colleague who had not only lasted a full week but had also seamlessly integrated into his demanding workflow. He no longer had to worry about incompetence; he was working with a mind that operated on his own formidable level.

Satisfied, Subspace returned to his own chaotic station. A comfortable silence descended upon the lab, broken only by the rustle of paper and the soft hum of machinery—a productive rhythm that had already become familiar to them both.

Over the past week, a persistent curiosity had taken root in Subspace's mind: what was Medkit like outside the lab? His new partner was an enigma—a truly interesting inphernal defined by a stoic composure that Subspace found both impressive and baffling. He was particularly shocked by how Medkit handled the boss's recent criticism of their work. While Subspace himself bristled, incapable of accepting any perceived flaw in his "perfect" inventions, Medkit had accepted the feedback with professional grace, openly considering its merits. It was a trait Subspace grudgingly admitted he might need to learn from.

Yet, for every quality that fascinated him, another irritated him in equal measure. That very stoicism he found intriguing also struck him as boring; he suspected Medkit was the type who wouldn't understand a joke. But then again, who cared? Subspace concluded that everyone was ultimately beneath him. His own obnoxious, loud nature and deeply ingrained superiority complex ensured that any judgment he passed was, in his own mind, the final word.

Yet, this enigma named Medkit continually proved himself worthy of the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps unraveling the mystery of his partner wouldn't be a waste of time after all. They were, ultimately, a team, and some level of rapport was expected.

His internal deliberation was abruptly cut short as a neat stack of annotated documents landed squarely on his cluttered workstation. He glanced up to find Medkit standing there, his demeanor as unreadably calm as ever.

"I'm finished," Medkit stated simply, before turning back to his own desk.

Subspace skimmed the pages, his eyes scanning the meticulous notes. To his surprise—and slight annoyance—every annotation was not only accurate but insightful. A slow, calculating smile crept onto his face. Medkit was truly a fascinating puzzle. Perhaps it was time they got to know each other.

When the break-time alarm blared, Subspace rose from his desk and approached Medkit's workstation. He leaned over, placing a hand on the surface with a deliberate gentleness meant not to startle. A practiced, charming smile graced his features.

"How about we get some coffee together, hm?" Subspace offered.

Medkit looked up, his expression one of genuine confusion.

"I want to get to know you better," Subspace added.

I want to get to know you better.

The phrase echoed in Medkit's mind, a ghost from a life he had tried to bury. The last time he'd heard those words was from his ex. The sudden, painful reminder was a special kind of hell. He quickly shoved the memory aside, his focus returning to the inphernal before him. Was Subspace worth the risk? Would it hurt to let his guard down, even for a moment?

"…Okay," Medkit heard himself say, the agreement leaving his lips before his caution could catch up. Perhaps he had no real choice in the matter. But a small, tentative part of him reasoned that forming a professional connection couldn't hurt. Right?

They left the lab and walked to the lobby, their silence a stark contrast to the lively chatter of their colleagues. Subspace led the way to a simple coffee machine tucked in a corner of the spacious lobby. Each took a plastic cup, filling it with coarse coffee powder and hot water. Medkit stirred his evenly, and Subspace, uncharacteristically observant, mirrored his movements. They settled onto a couch, the steam from their cups rising between them.

"Could be better," Medkit remarked after a tentative sip. It wasn't black coffee, and the weak, generic blend did little for him. Subspace, meanwhile, fought to keep a straight face, the bitter liquid threatening to make him gag.

"So... what was your life like before this, Medkit?" Subspace asked, forcing a smile.

"Normal. Could be better," Medkit replied, his answer as straightforward and uninviting as the coffee.

"You're quite an interesting puzzle to me, Medkit. But you also seem... boring," Subspace prodded, taking another cautious sip.

"Is that so?" Medkit couldn't care less. He'd been called apathetic and asocial before; the label was as bland as the coffee.

"See? You don't even seem butthurt when I say that!"

"That's because I don't care," Medkit stated, taking another sip.

The response left Subspace momentarily speechless. A slow smile spread across his face as he finished his drink. This inphernal is a tough nut to crack, he thought.

"What about you?" Medkit asked, a token reciprocation. "What was your life like?"

"Well!" Subspace beamed, his pride instantly rekindled. "I've served Blackrock pretty much all my life, and I'm proud of it!"

Medkit let out a noncommittal hum. "I see." He finished his coffee, the plastic cup crinkling in his hand as the conversation, like the break, reached its natural end.

Trying to get to know his partner was proving to be a profound pain in the ass. Every conversational door he tried was firmly shut in his face. Perhaps Medkit just needed more time to warm up? But Subspace was not a patient inphernal, especially not with colleagues. He was a creature of immediate gratification: he wanted Medkit to be more open, more engaging—more fun—and he wanted it now.

Yet, Medkit was resilient. Hard to break. Subspace found himself facing a will that was not so easily bent to his own.

Subspace watched Medkit, who sat in perfect silence at his workstation, his entire being focused on the task before him. Gods, Subspace thought, that attempt at a conversation felt less like getting to know someone and more like a humiliation ritual.

Then, an idea sparked. If Medkit wouldn't engage in a dialogue, perhaps he could be subjected to a monologue. If Subspace were to ramble endlessly, his partner would have no choice but to listen. It was a brilliant plan, a flawless strategy.

At least, it was to Subspace.

Subspace promptly strode over to Medkit's workstation, tapping him on the shoulder. The moment Medkit turned, Subspace launched into a proud, rambling presentation of his newest invention, detailing its components and viability with unbridled pride.

"It seems a bit faulty," Medkit interjected, his tone flat.

Subspace's monologue ground to a halt. "Eh?"

Medkit then proceeded to dissect the design, calmly pointing out the structural inconsistencies and potential points of failure. Subspace could only pout in disbelief. There's no way this inphernal is right... Right?

But a quick, mental review confirmed it—Medkit was, in fact, correct. A critical flaw existed.

But how? Subspace had been so sure this creation was perfect, forged with his own meticulous care. It was becoming clear there was more depth to Medkit than mere intelligence; he possessed a startling, almost intuitive insight. A flicker of irritation burned in Subspace's chest. For the first time, someone had not only matched but surpassed his own intellect in a specific area, and he was utterly conflicted on whether to be infuriated or impressed.

In the weeks that followed, Subspace dedicated himself to a singular, unspoken mission: to dazzle his partner with his brilliance. With every new experiment or invention, he would immediately summon Medkit, presenting his work with triumphant bravado. And every time—every single time—Medkit would identify a critical flaw.

What began as a quest for validation quickly morphed into a bizarre, unacknowledged ritual. Each time, Medkit's calm, incisive critique saved Subspace's project from a catastrophic failure, often one that would have likely ended in a spectacular lab explosion. Subspace's pride was being systematically dismantled, but his laboratory—and arguably his reputation—remained intact, all thanks to the very inphernal whose composure he found so infuriating.

Finally, Subspace gave up. He stopped preemptively bragging about his inventions, tired of Medkit unfailingly pinpointing a critical flaw. This time, he tinkered in silence. After finishing, he admired his work with a proud smile. "Time to test out this baby right here," he declared.

Those were his last words before a deafening explosion rocked the lab.

Medkit jolted upright, his chair scraping back. He turned to find Subspace's workstation shrouded in smoke, the inphernal himself nursing several wounds from the blast. Instinct took over. Medkit rushed to his partner's side.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice tight as he assessed the damage. The injuries were more than superficial.

"I'm—I'm okay! You don't have to check on me. Just a minor inconvenience," Subspace laughed awkwardly, trying to wave him off.

Medkit didn't budge, his expression unreadable. With swift, practiced motions, he summoned his gear—a briefcase that unfolded into a sophisticated first aid kit. He retrieved a glowing crystal and began to channel its energy into Subspace's wounds.

Subspace stared, mesmerized as the healing light sealed his cuts and soothed his burns. "Is that your ability?" he asked, his curiosity overriding his pain.

Medkit responded with a noncommittal hum.

"It's quite... fascinating, I must admit," Subspace conceded.

Once the healing was complete, Medkit fixed Subspace with a flat stare. "Don't hurt yourself again." He then posed the real question, his tone laced with pointed irony. "You should have shown me your invention, like you always do. Why didn't you?"

"Um..." Subspace scrambled for an excuse, but found none. He sighed in defeat. "I didn't like that you always had something to say, okay!? I'm supposed to be the genius, but you're out here finding flaws in everything I make!"

To his astonishment, Medkit let out a soft "pfft" and chuckled.

Did he just make Medkit laugh?

"That's a stupid reason," Medkit said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's not a competition. I just wanted to help you. You are my partner, after all."

Subspace could only stare, a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck.

"Next time you're unsure about an invention, come to me," Medkit instructed firmly before turning back to his desk. "I'll help you."

Left alone amidst the scorch marks, Subspace tried to process the encounter. He had been so focused on seeing Medkit as a rival that he never considered the truth: beneath the stoic exterior was someone genuinely, and unexpectedly, kind.

Chapter Text

In the days that followed, Subspace took Medkit's instruction to heart. He began bringing his blueprints and prototypes to Medkit whenever he encountered uncertainty. Through this process, he came to a profound realization: they were a perfect pair. Subspace was the spark of creation, the visionary who forged ahead, while Medkit was the stabilizing force, the foundation that ensured his wildest ideas were grounded and safe. He had never encountered a more valuable asset. Medkit was more than a partner; he was a necessary counterbalance, and this dynamic fascinated Subspace.

Medkit, however, viewed the arrangement with detached professionalism. In his eyes, Subspace was a colleague—a talented, if volatile, one—and that was the extent of it. He did not dwell on their growing synergy. While Subspace saw a partnership, Medkit saw a workflow. Ever since the incident with his ex, he had deliberately detached himself from forming deep connections. He focused solely on his work, building walls where bridges might otherwise form. He refused to be attached ever again.

"Medkit, could you help me for a second?" Subspace called out, not looking up from the intricate device he was tinkering with.

Medkit rose from his workstation and was at his side in moments, his eyes immediately scanning the invention. He began pointing out the structural flaws in his usual, level tone, then physically assisted in recalibrating the components. Subspace watched, utterly captivated by the seamless interplay of their skills.

Once the adjustments were complete, Subspace turned to him with a bright, genuine smile.

"Thanks, Meddy."

Medkit froze. "What did you just call me?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral, though his expression was unreadable.

"Meddy! It's a cute nickname, isn't it? I think it's endearing," Subspace explained, the smile still plastered on his face.

Medkit could only stare. No one had ever called him that before. A strange, flustered feeling bubbled in his chest. "I... suppose it is," he managed to reply, the admission making him feel uncharacteristically shy. He quickly averted his gaze, hoping to hide the blush he felt warming his cheeks. The nickname felt less endearing and more profoundly embarrassing.

He took a sharp, quiet breath, straightened his posture, and forcibly reassembled his professional composure. "Okay. Call me if you need something, Subspace." Without another word, he turned on his heel and retreated to his desk.

Subspace simply smiled to himself, watching him go. 

As Medkit retreated to his desk, the conversation replayed in his mind. Meddy. An odd, yet undeniably endearing nickname. Could it be? He pinched the bridge of his nose, readjusted his glasses, and tried to bury his focus back into his work.

When the break-time alarm blared, Subspace finished his adjustments with a flourish and strode over to Medkit, who was still working. He gave a light tap on his shoulder. "How about we go get some coffee, Meddy?"

Meddy. There it was again. Medkit inwardly wished he would stop; the name was profoundly embarrassing. What would others think? Not that he socialized with them, but the thought was unsettling. "Sure..." he replied, his voice trailing off.

They walked to the lobby, Subspace humming a cheerful tune while Medkit moved in silence. They prepared their coffee with the same mechanical routine—powder, hot water, a stir—and settled on a couch.

"So, how are you holding up so far, Meddy?" Subspace asked with a smile.

Medkit turned his head, his expression as unreadable as ever. "I am holding up fine."

Subspace nodded. "Since I want to get to know you better, how about you tell me about your past life?"

The question sent a jolt of discomfort through Medkit. He had no desire to dredge up those memories. He shook his head slightly, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "I'd rather not."

"Why not? Just getting to know ya'," Subspace pressed, his tone pushy.

A flicker of anger rose in Medkit, but he suppressed it, not wanting to cause a scene. "It's... personal," he stated firmly.

Subspace finally relented with a nod.

No matter how Subspace tried to engage him, Medkit's responses remained cold and stale. Was Subspace truly this bad at conversation? He'd been called obnoxious, egotistical, and prideful—labels he'd always brushed off. He preferred action over words and had grown accustomed to solitude in his lab. The mandate to collaborate had been an annoyance, another obstacle. But Medkit was different. For the first time, Subspace didn't mind extending courtesy, even friendship. After all, as Medkit himself had said, they were partners.

Just as Subspace was about to take a sip, his hand slipped, sending a wave of hot coffee cascading down his uniform. The liquid seared his skin, and the plastic cup clattered to the floor. A hush fell over the lobby, followed by a wave of whispers and pointed stares from their colleagues.

Subspace froze. The unwanted attention was a special kind of torment, a public humiliation that threatened the carefully crafted image of the unassailable genius. Dark, violent thoughts flickered at the edges of his mind—a fantasy of obliterating the entire room to erase the evidence of his shame.

Suddenly, a hand gently touched his arm. He turned to find Medkit looking at him, his usual stoicism replaced with quiet concern. "Are you okay?" Medkit asked. Without waiting for an answer, he produced a handkerchief and began calmly dabbing at the stain. Subspace could only watch, stunned into silence by the unexpected kindness.

"Come," Medkit gestured, helping him to his feet. He guided the dazed Subspace out of the lobby and toward the nearest restroom, shielding him from the lingering stares. Subspace tried to dissociate, his mind reeling. He was acutely aware of his poor reputation, built on years of condescension, and this incident felt like a crowning humiliation.

His dark thoughts were snapped by the sound of running water. Medkit had led him to a sink and was gently rinsing the burn on his hand. Subspace groaned at the sting.

"It's okay," Medkit reassured him, his voice low and steady. "It'll be over soon."

Once the burn was cleaned, Subspace looked down at his soiled uniform with a frown. "My uniform's all dirty now..."

"You'll have to get that cleaned up tonight," Medkit stated pragmatically.

"But this is the only one I have! This is so embarrassing!" Subspace exclaimed, his voice tight with frustration.

Medkit merely sighed. "You have no other choice."

The blare of the break-time ending alarm echoed through the halls. Together, they walked back to the lab, Subspace in his stained uniform, but with the searing memory of the burn somehow soothed by his partner's quiet intervention.

"Thanks for earlier," Subspace murmured, his eyes fixed on the schematics spread across his desk, unable to look directly at his partner.

Medkit acknowledged the gratitude with a soft hum, nothing more.

A comfortable silence settled back over the lab, broken only by the familiar sounds of their work. Subspace tried to bury the memory of the lobby's stares, to incinerate the humiliation in the forge of his focus. His inventions were waiting; there was no time to dwell on such trivial, unnecessary distractions.

Work had officially ended hours ago. Now, deep in the night, Subspace remained at his desk, drowning in blueprints and components. In contrast, Medkit had long since succumbed to exhaustion, his head resting on his arms in a deep nap. He maintained a strict sleeping schedule, while Subspace would happily forsake rest entirely for the sake of his inventions.

When Subspace finally put his tools down, he stood and his gaze fell upon the sleeping Medkit. A small, involuntary smile touched his lips. He wasn't entirely sure why the sight warmed him—perhaps it was the memory of being shielded from humiliation earlier.

He scooted closer and gave Medkit's shoulder a gentle tap. "Meddy, wake up. We have to close the lab."

Medkit's eyes fluttered open with a groan. As his vision cleared, he found Subspace leaning in, their faces suddenly far too close. Medkit jolted back, hastily creating a respectful distance. "My apologies," he said, quickly regaining his composure.

Subspace's smile only widened. "Had a good nap, Meddy?"

Medkit simply shook his head and stood. "Let's close up the lab."

After securing the laboratory, the two found themselves walking toward the dormitory. Medkit hadn't anticipated sharing the journey, but the facility's layout offered only one path to the residential wing. With no alternative, he fell into step beside Subspace, the silence between them filled with the echoes of the day's unexpected events.

"Good morning, Meddy!" Subspace chirped as the lab doors hissed open.

Medkit responded with a noncommittal hum, moving straight to his workstation and immersing himself in his tasks. Subspace did the same, and for the next few hours, a comfortable, productive silence settled over the lab. Subspace tinkered with his latest invention, while Medkit annotated documents and offered his sharp, analytical assistance whenever needed.

When the lunch alarm blared, Medkit was the first to finish. He stood, glanced briefly in Subspace's direction, and without a word, turned and left. Subspace watched the doors slide shut behind his partner, then shrugged. Perhaps he would seek Medkit out in the cafeteria once he wrapped up his own work.

The walk to the cafeteria was a solitary one, as always. Medkit preferred to eat lunch alone, his focus reserved for his work rather than the idle chatter of colleagues. While a small part of him wouldn't have minded the company, he knew his social skills were lacking; any attempt at conversation would likely end in awkwardness.

He finished his lunch quickly and made his way to the lobby, heading straight for the coffee station. Retrieving a personal sachet of black coffee from his pocket, he prepared his drink with practiced efficiency. He took a sip as he settled onto a couch. Just what I wanted. He allowed himself a moment of quiet contentment, listening to the distant hum of conversations around him.

"You're... Subspace's partner, right?"

An inphernal he didn't recognize sat down beside him.

"Yes?" Medkit replied, his tone neutral but his expression slightly confused.

"I just want to warn you about him," the inphernal said, lowering his voice. "He can be obnoxious and mean. A lot of us find him utterly irritating. He's a genius, sure, but that condescending attitude makes him impossible to work with."

Medkit didn't respond, simply taking another slow sip of his coffee.

Unseen by either of them, Subspace had just arrived, his excitement to find Medkit instantly curdling into fury. He watched from a distance, his fists clenching as he saw the colleague—another useless fool, in his eyes—poisoning the one person who had shown him kindness. His nerves frayed, and he brought a hand to his mouth, biting his knuckles in a mix of anger and anxiety. Why? Why did they have to ruin this? He had to find a way to make them stop, to—

"I don't care what people think of him," Medkit stated flatly, cutting through Subspace's spiraling thoughts. "He is my partner, and I will continue to work with him."

With that, Medkit stood, discarded his cup, and walked away.

Subspace's eyes widened, his anger dissipating into stunned disbelief. Did Medkit just... defend him? It was the first time anyone had ever done so, and the unfamiliar sensation left him uncertain—was this gratitude, or something else entirely?

As Medkit departed, Subspace emerged from his hiding place, his expression seething. The other inphernal flinched and tried to avert his gaze, but Subspace closed the distance in a few swift strides, grabbing the inphernal's arm with a viselike grip. He leaned in, a cold, mirthless smile plastered on his face that didn't reach his eyes.

"Let me make one thing perfectly clear," Subspace hissed, his voice low and venomous. "I can have you removed by the authorities anytime I want. So I suggest you stop spreading such foolish lies about me."

He released the inphernal's arm with a shove, then turned and strode away, his posture radiating pure, unadulterated pride.

The lab doors hissed open. "Meddy!" Subspace announced, his entrance as dramatic as his mood. A proud, almost manic smile was plastered across his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Medkit glanced up from his work. "Hey, Subspace." His greeting was characteristically flat before he returned to his task.

Undeterred, Subspace hummed a joyous tune as he gathered a stack of documents from his cluttered desk and deposited them onto Medkit's orderly one. "Annotate these for me, please, Meddy!"

Medkit responded with a noncommittal hum, too accustomed to his partner's erratic energy to question it.

The following hours passed with their now-familiar rhythm: a silence punctuated only by the sounds of work, efficient and focused, speaking only when necessary. As usual, Medkit finished first. Subspace, after putting the final touches on his latest invention, strode over to present it. And, as usual, Medkit calmly pointed out its engineering flaws. Subspace had come to accept this; Medkit was always right. He simply nodded and returned to his station to make the corrections.

For the first time, they found themselves with all their assigned work completed early, leaving their schedule clear for the rest of the week—though Subspace, of course, still planned to tinker in the lab.

As Subspace stretched with a wide yawn, Medkit stood and made for the door.

"Where are you going, Meddy?" Subspace called out.

Medkit looked over his shoulder. "I'm going out for a smoke."

"I'll come!" Subspace declared, immediately brightening. He waddled over to Medkit's side, a cheerful smile on his face.

Medkit simply let out a quiet hum. Perhaps a bit of company wouldn't hurt.

They stood outside the facility, the harsh Blackrock wind whipping snow against their coats. The only sound was the crunch of their boots on the fresh powder. Medkit stopped, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it with a practiced hand. Subspace watched him, silent and observant.

For a while, they stood in a comfortable quiet, enduring the biting cold and taking in the stark, snowy scenery. Subspace was the one to break the silence, his voice cutting through the wind.

"What would you do if someone was spreading rumors about someone you know?" he asked, the memory of the earlier encounter clearly on his mind. "Would you believe them? Would it change how you see that person?"

Medkit turned, taking a long drag from his cigarette before answering. "Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering," Subspace replied, feigning nonchalance.

Medkit inhaled deeply, then exhaled a plume of smoke into the frigid air. "I have no time for rumors. I simply wouldn't care."

A genuine smile spread across Subspace's face. The fact that Medkit operated on his own impartial judgment was perfect. It meant that no matter how others tried to tarnish his reputation, Medkit's perspective would remain his own. Medkit was different. And that was exactly what Subspace liked about him.

"Is that so?" Subspace chuckled, a note of triumph in his voice.

Medkit didn't reply, letting his silence speak for itself.

Subspace then launched into a rambling monologue about his inventions, gleefully detailing how he once used one to temporarily transform a colleague into a bunny. He found the memory hilarious, his laughter ringing with manic glee as he animatedly acted out the story with his hands. Medkit wasn't sure how to react, but he listened, a quiet amusement growing within him. Perhaps, he thought, Subspace was a more interesting inphernal than he had initially assumed. For now, Medkit chose to ignore the rumors and simply enjoy the moment with his partner. It seemed they had become inseparable, a pair always there for one another. But then, Medkit shook the thought away, chiding himself for letting his guard down.

"You know, I think we're quite inseparable," Subspace said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "I'm glad to have a partner like you, Meddy."

"..You're welcome?" Medkit replied, the words laced with a sudden weariness.

I'm glad to have a partner like you.

The same words his ex had once spoken. A familiar heaviness settled in his chest. Why did the past have to haunt him so persistently? He had a new life now. Seeking a distraction, he stubbed out his cigarette and immediately lit another.

"What's wrong, Meddy? You seem sad," Subspace observed, leaning closer.

Medkit shook his head, forcibly reassembling his composure. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Subspace’s smile widened. “How about this—we go to a cafe tomorrow. Does that sound good to you?”

Medkit considered it for a moment, then gave a quiet hum. “I don’t mind.”

“That’s great!” Subspace beamed, and before Medkit could react, he reached out and took his hand. His grip was warm, his expression brighter than Medkit had ever seen. “From now on, we’ll never leave each other, okay, Meddy? You’re very valuable to me. I wouldn’t want to lose a partner like you!”

“…Sure,” Medkit replied, the word feeling awkward on his tongue. He didn’t quite know how to respond to such sudden, earnest intensity. But as he stood there, hand in hand amid the falling snow, a small, tentative part of him wondered—perhaps staying by this inphernal’s side wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

The next day began as usual, with both of them reporting to the lab. Despite having completed their official tasks for the week, their presence was still required—for God knows what reason. Subspace’s tinkering was a perpetual motion machine; it never truly finished. He was driven by an insatiable need for more—more creations, more breakthroughs, more approval from their superiors. To that end, his experiments often skirted the edges of legality, but his favored status ensured any transgressions were quietly swept aside.

Medkit sighed, seated at his impeccably organized workstation with nothing left to occupy his hands. His own duties were complete. For now, it seemed his only task was to wait for Subspace to finally conclude his latest bout of manic invention.

Hours later, Subspace finally concluded his work. He stretched his arms with a wide yawn, gave his invention one final, admiring glance, and declared, "My superiors are going to love this!"

His attention then shifted to Medkit, who had been waiting patiently. "You're finished?" Medkit asked.

Subspace nodded, a wide smile spreading across his face as he approached Medkit's workstation. "So... should we go?"

Medkit responded with a quiet hum and stood. Together, they walked out of the lab.

As they moved through the corridors, colleagues stared. The sight of Subspace no longer walking alone was clearly a shock, prompting a wave of exchanged glances and hushed whispers. Subspace, long accustomed to such attention, ignored them entirely. All that mattered was that Medkit was by his side.

Stepping outside, a cold breeze immediately assailed them. Subspace shivered, realizing he had forgotten his scarf and had only worn a fur coat. As they walked, he wrapped his arms around himself in a futile attempt to ward off the chill. Noticing his partner's struggle, Medkit wordlessly unwound his own scarf and draped it around Subspace's neck.

Subspace looked up, surprised, and offered a grateful smile. "Thanks," he muttered, and they continued their walk, the simple act of kindness warming the space between them against the Blackrock cold.

A soft chime announced their entrance into the cafe. Medkit scanned the pristine, warmly lit interior with an approving hum.

"So, what are you going to order?" Subspace asked as they approached the counter, his energy barely contained.

"A black coffee," Medkit replied. The cashier nodded.

"I'll have a latte!" Subspace announced with manic cheer. After placing their orders, they settled at a table.

"Isn't this nice, Meddy?" Subspace said, inhaling the rich aroma of coffee and pastries.

"It is nice, indeed," Medkit agreed.

Beaming, Subspace pulled out his phone, scrolling through the news. "Hm? 'Playground Tampered with Blackrock; Detainments Underway.'" He continued reading, a chuckle escaping him. "'Protests are happening, too.' Playground and their huge ego... fork found in kitchen," he quipped, laughing at his own joke.

"I see," Medkit replied, his tone neutral.

Nearby, a sudden, worried voice cut through the ambient noise. "Oh, this is bad!"

"Relax, Grav, I'm sure your parents will be okay," another inphernal reassured her.

"But what if they detain my parents as well!? Think about the possibilities, Warp!" Grav's voice was pitched with panic.

Warp placed a soothing hand on her friend's arm. "It's going to be okay. The best we can do right now is hope."

"Did you really eavesdrop on our conversation?" Subspace interjected, turning a sharp gaze toward the two inphernals he clearly recognized.

"Well, I couldn't help it, Subspace!" Grav retorted.

Subspace let out a dismissive "tch" and rolled his eyes.

"I see you aren't alone anymore," Warp noted, her tone diplomatically pleasant. "Who's this you're with?"

Subspace shot her a glare. "It's none of your busine—"

"I'm Medkit. It is nice to meet you," Medkit introduced himself firmly, cutting off his partner. "I assume we work in the same facility, given the uniforms?"

Grav's expression shifted to something more cordial. "Mhm! The name's Grav, and this is my best friend, Warp. Say hi, Warp!"

Warp offered a small wave before taking a sip of her drink.

"Don't mind them, Meddy, they're just a couple of annoying colleagues," Subspace muttered as the server arrived with their orders.

"Hm," was Medkit's only reply, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on the two new inphernals.

“Jeez, so miserable as always,” Grav mumbled into her drink. Subspace shot her a venomous glare. He wanted nothing more than to erupt, but with Medkit present, he forced himself to maintain a shred of composure.

“Anyway, how are you, Meddy?” Subspace asked, his smile returning as he took a sip of his latte.

“Better than yesterday,” Medkit replied truthfully. With his work completed and a quiet moment away from the lab, he did feel a sense of ease. Wait, is this technically a date? The sudden thought made him flush. He quickly dismissed it, taking a deliberate sip of his coffee. They're just colleagues. Nothing more.

Subspace, oblivious to his partner's internal turmoil, launched into another ramble about his inventions. Medkit listened, noting that even outside the lab, Subspace’s world revolved entirely around his work. Medkit found himself wondering what, if anything, lay beneath that single-minded obsession.

“I have this invention where my tripmines are enhanced to basically poison anybody! Isn't it great, Meddy!?” Subspace bragged, his voice carrying across the cafe.

Grav and Warp exchanged a look of shared disbelief at his volume and subject matter.

“I don’t think that’s legal,” Medkit replied, a thread of genuine concern in his voice.

Subspace just laughed, a sharp, proud sound. “Oh, it isn’t! That’s the fun part!”

Medkit could only stare back blankly. “I see…” was all he could muster in reply

"And then I have this invention where I could eliminate anyone within a specific radius! Well, I haven't tested it yet. I'm not sure when the right opportunity will be..." Subspace continued, the same unnerving smile fixed on his face.

Grav and Warp exchanged another wide-eyed glance, their discomfort growing with each increasingly hazardous revelation.

Medkit cleared his throat softly, taking a slow sip of his coffee to ground himself. "I don't think we should discuss such things in public," he interjected, his voice low but firm, a clear note of caution in his tone.

After Medkit and Subspace finished their drinks, they stepped out of the cafe and into the crisp air. Subspace chattered animatedly about how much he had enjoyed his latte. Medkit offered a quiet agreement; his black coffee had been perfectly brewed.

They walked in a comfortable silence back toward the facility, a silence that Subspace, as usual, was compelled to break.

"Did you enjoy your time today, Meddy?" he asked, leaning in to catch Medkit's eye as they walked.

"Quite," was Medkit's simple reply.

In truth, he had enjoyed it more than he expected. The simple act of sharing a coffee, of existing in a space that wasn't the lab, had been a quiet pleasure. It had been so long since he'd allowed himself even this small connection. Perhaps the new life he had chosen, and the unpredictable partner that came with it, wasn't so bad after all.

Subspace simply smiled at the succinct answer and continued walking, the silence between them now feeling a little warmer than before.

They returned to the facility shortly after. The moment Subspace entered, a wave of glances and hushed whispers followed him, but he paid them no mind. Shielded by his own immense pride, he seemed genuinely unaffected by his unpopularity. He glanced back at Medkit, who was walking silently behind him. Noticing the gaze, Medkit looked up. In response, Subspace quickly took his hand and strode purposefully toward their lab, pulling him along.

Once the lab doors hissed shut behind them, Subspace let out a light laugh. "Oh, silly Medkit."

Medkit looked at him, perplexed. "What?"

"Nothing," Subspace replied, his laughter softening. "I just think you're really cute."

Medkit, flustered and unsure how to react, simply shook his head. "Focus on work, Subspace."

"I am focused! My official work is done. I'm just perfecting my own inventions now," Subspace said, his smile unwavering.

Finding no adequate reply, Medkit simply retreated to the sanctuary of his workstation, leaving Subspace to his cheerful tinkering.

Hours slipped by, and the official workday ended long ago. Medkit had fallen asleep at his workstation, only to be roused by the persistent sounds of Subspace’s tinkering. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock—it was much later than he had realized. Quickly, he began to pack his bag.

“Going now, Meddy?” Subspace asked, pausing his work.

Medkit responded with a tired hum.

Seemingly satisfied, Subspace set his tools aside and packed his own belongings, then waddled over with a bright smile. “Let’s go close the lab!”

They secured the laboratory and began the familiar walk to the dorms. Subspace hummed a cheerful tune while Medkit moved in weary silence.

“Today was fun, wasn’t it?” Subspace ventured.

Too drained for words, Medkit offered another soft hum in reply. When they reached the dormitory, they exchanged quiet goodbyes before retreating to their respective rooms.

The moment his door clicked shut, Medkit released a long, weary sigh. The day had been exhausting, yet he could not deny that parts of it had been… enjoyable. With Subspace as his partner, his days were undeniably becoming brighter. He moved through his nightly routine on autopilot and finally settled into bed, slipping into a deep and peaceful sleep.

"So you think it's the system that's bringing us both down?"

A voice, chillingly familiar—Subspace's—cut through the darkness. Medkit stood facing him, one hand clutched over his eye, a searing pain radiating from it.

"Yes. You don't understand. Blackrock is the real enemy here, not us."

"Oh, poor Medkit," Subspace cooed, a cruel laugh echoing as a tripmine materialized in his palm. "Do you really think I'd choose you over Blackrock? I've served them longer than I've even known you."

In a flash, Subspace lunged forward and slapped the tripmine onto Medkit's chest.

"Farewell, Meddy."

Medkit jolted awake, his body drenched in a cold sweat. His heart hammered against his ribs. A nightmare. He scanned his room, the familiar shadows of his dorm slowly grounding him. Thank goodness, it was just a dream.

A glance at his nightstand showed 3 AM. The idea of trying to fall back asleep felt impossible. Perhaps starting the day early wouldn't be so bad. He checked the date—Sunday. A day off. A wave of relief washed over him; he desperately needed a break from the lab, and from a certain inphernal.

Pushing the haunting dream from his mind, Medkit got out of bed and began his morning routine with mechanical precision, seeking solace in the familiar, orderly motions.

Medkit washed his face, dressed for the day, and prepared a simple breakfast. Seated at his table with a steaming cup of black coffee, he idly scrolled through his phone. The news feed offered nothing of interest—just the usual headlines. With a quiet sigh, he turned the screen off, tucked the device into his pocket, and dedicated his attention to finishing his coffee, allowing the bitter, familiar taste to anchor him in the quiet of the morning.

Medkit stepped out of his dormitory, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his fur coat. The facility was enveloped in a rare, profound quiet; only a few other inphernals were awake at this hour. The walk through the empty halls was peaceful, devoid of the usual cacophony of his colleagues.

Soon, he emerged into the biting cold outside, the snow stinging his face. He walked with purpose through the frosty stillness until he found a 24/7 convenience store. Inside, he bought a pack of cigarettes, tossed the bux on the counter, and left without a word.

Instead of returning inside the facility, he remained outdoors. Leaning against the cold exterior wall, he lit a cigarette and took a long, slow drag. There, in the frigid silence, he simply watched the snow continue its endless fall over Blackrock, the glowing ember of his cigarette a solitary point of warmth in the vast, sleeping landscape.

As he smoked, another figure stopped beside him, also lighting a cigarette. Medkit glanced over and recognized the inphernal from the cafe—Warp. She was still in her pajamas, her voice heavy with sleep.

“What’re you doing out here alone?” she asked.

“Just smoking. Nothing special,” Medkit replied, taking a slow drag.

Warp hummed in response.

They stood together in a comfortable silence, the only sound the soft crackle of burning tobacco and the slow exhale of smoke. After a while, Warp spoke again.

“How long have you known Subspace for?”

“Quite a while,” Medkit answered, exhaling a plume of smoke into the frigid air.

Warp let out a thoughtful hum. “I’m… honestly a bit shocked you’ve lasted this long.”

Medkit looked at her, a silent question in his eyes.

“From what I’ve heard,” she clarified, “most inphernals can’t stand to be around him for more than a day. His attitude tends to drive people away.”

Medkit listened, his expression unreadable.

“I see,” was all he said, his gaze returning to the falling snow.

“Grav was one of them,” Warp continued, her voice softening with recollection. “She requested a transfer to another lab because she found Subspace impossible to work with. She got assigned to mine, we became partners… and then we became close.”

Medkit listened, offering a quiet hum of acknowledgment. He wanted to reciprocate the conversation, but his asocial nature left him grappling for the right words. He decided to try anyway.

“I think Subspace is okay,” he stated, his voice even.

Warp looked at him, genuinely surprised by the defense.

“I know a lot of people dislike him,” Medkit continued, his tone final. “But that doesn’t stop me from continuing to work with him.”

With that, he dropped the cigarette butt into the snow, extinguishing the ember with a firm stomp of his boot.

“I should go,” Medkit said, offering a brief wave before turning to leave. Warp watched him go, taking a final, slow drag from her cigarette.

Medkit walked back into the facility, which was still hushed with only a few inphernals stirring. He intended to return to his dorm for more sleep, but as he passed their lab, the distinct sound of loud tinkering made him pause. Peering inside, he saw Subspace slouched over his workstation, tools in hand, utterly absorbed in his invention. How long had he been here?

Medkit stepped inside, the doors hissing shut behind him.

Subspace’s head snapped up, and his face lit with excitement. “Hi, Meddy!” he chirped, his voice brimming with energy.

“Hey,” Medkit replied, walking over to Subspace’s station. “What are you doing so early? Isn’t today a rest day?”

“Mhm! But I just want to fix this baby right here,” Subspace said, patting the invention fondly. “After this, I’m free for the rest of the day!”

Medkit nodded slowly.

As Subspace resumed his work, he asked, “You’re awake early, too. What brings you here?”

Medkit shrugged, keeping his answer brief. “I just woke up early, that’s all.”

Subspace hummed. “We should do something together, Meddy.”

“Like what?”

“I dunno… maybe we can test these inventions on some of our colleagues? Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Medkit shook his head, recalling Warp’s words about how Subspace drove people away. “That’ll only damage your reputation even more.”

Subspace froze, his cheerful demeanor evaporating. He turned, his expression sharp. “Why do you care about my reputation?”

“I’m just saying, our colleagues might dislike you more if you keep testing your… not-so-legal experiments,” Medkit explained carefully.

Subspace’s fist clenched. “Why do you care about the opinions of such low-lives?” he hissed, venom dripping from his words.

Medkit realized he had crossed a line.

“Forget about doing something together,” Subspace snapped, turning his back to Medkit.

“I’m—” Medkit began to apologize, but Subspace had already shut him out. Sighing, Medkit decided it was best to give him space and quietly left the lab.

Medkit left the lab and made his way back to the dorm, a heavy sense of guilt settling in his chest. He had crossed a line, and Subspace's sharp words echoed in his mind:

Why do you care about the opinions of such low-lives?

Was that really how Subspace saw everyone in the facility? For the first time, Medkit fully understood why so many were driven away by his partner's demeanor. Yet, a stubborn part of him refused to give up on Subspace so easily. He was convinced there was more to the scientist—a depth he had only glimpsed, waiting to be understood.

With that resolve firm in his mind, Medkit stepped into his dorm and closed the door, the quiet click a promise to himself to try again later.