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The soundproof void lit up as soon as Quackity punched in the correct code on the panel. The door, as white as the rest of the room, slid open, creating a passageway perfect for one person. Nothing could be heard except the steady beeping of a camera connected somewhere overhead, and the dead patter of footsteps on the concrete floor.
The whiteness enveloped the man in its clinicalness, lulling him into an overwhelming deafness.
The room was relatively empty, except for a metal desk in the corner and a hospital-style cabinet right next to it. Quackity took a few more steps hesitantly before taking in the furniture. Not without a trace of hesitation, he stretched out his hand to run his fingers over the cool structure of the desk, chilled by the poorly heated room. The only items on the counter were a simple laptop and a connected mouse. The rest of the equipment had to fit in the locked drawers of a rolling cabinet.
The swallowing of saliva seemed as loud as an atomic bomb.
Quackity slowly but surely approached the wall. It was white and relatively fresh, with a faint stench of paint still visible when he brought his nose close to it. But he wasn't here to sniff the room.
His fingers touched the structure, sliding steadily across the perfectly flat surface. After what seemed like an eternity, he felt a barely perceptible change beneath his fingers. Quackity pressed the button.
He shuddered violently at the sound of the wall sliding open. If before he'd feared being caught, now he was certain he'd dug himself a grave. The noise echoed through the room, filling the space with a rumbling sound. Considering the advanced technology in the reactor, Quackity had expected a more... discreet system.
Nervousness slowly gave way to interest as the concrete wall transformed into a crystalline pane. He couldn't resist taking a step forward and pressing his nose to the glass surface, staring with childish curiosity at the image that emerged.
It was truly breathtaking.
A dozen meters below, a miniature city loomed. Quackity could make out the cartoonish roofs of colorful shops, the spire of a brick church, paths carved into the grass, and bumpy sidewalks. He saw ridiculously square houses with flowery porches and inflatable pools in the gardens. A pharmacy with a neon sign announcing opening hours. Even a playground for children, with a metal slide, a sandbox full of molds, and swings that sway in the... wind?
Now curiosity was mixed with fear, which grew stronger as he noticed each disturbing detail. Quackity's throat went dry.
"Do you like it?"
He froze, not having the courage to turn around.
Quackity heard footsteps approaching him mercilessly slowly, as if their owner was deliberately delaying. He continued to stare out the window, now distracted, especially as he saw the reflection of the person approaching from behind him emerge from the glass. It didn't soothe his nerves, instead, tightening the phantom knot around his neck and taking away the last of the air.
The person placed his hands on Quackity's shoulders.
"I..."
"Shh. I asked a question. Do you like what you see?"
Multi's voice filled the concrete edge of the Earth. The sound was slightly muffled by the mask the man wore over his face, and Quackity could also detect a slight hoarseness in his voice. Just a few weeks ago, Multi didn't sound like this.
Quackity immediately thought that he could never sing crystal clear like he used to. Not anymore.
"I think it's impressive."
He stammered a little embarrassed, trying to relax under the feel of the latex gloves. Multi shifted his hands slightly so they rested closer to Quackity's neck, the scientist's fingers drumming hollowly against his skin. The movement seemed haphazard, as if the man was lost in thought and did it intuitively.
For a moment there was silence between them, filled only with their breaths dying in agony.
Quackity stared out the window almost absently, his gaze once again roaming the artificial town. The infrastructure was too perfect in its awkward way, as if a child had attempted to build a model of a space known more from fairy tales than from experience. No other place looked so textbook. It didn't matter whether it was the buildings, their courtyards or the streets, everything was... artificial. Painfully artificial.
Quackity felt an emptiness on his neck as Multi removed one of his hands to lower the mask from his face. Alex said nothing, patiently waiting for the conversation to resume, even if he missed the touch a bit.
Multi suddenly cleared his throat and spoke calmly.
"It's not finished yet. It's just a prototype."
Quackity allowed himself to turn his head enough to look at the scientist's face. Multi didn't look at him, staring with empty, cold, eyes at the city beyond the glass, his dreadlocks braided into a loose ponytail that now lay on his shoulder. Alex thought something had changed. The man's face expressed fatigue, the skin had lost its elasticity, giving way to a gray, dry mask plastered to his skull. His eyes had lost all the luster Quackity remembered from Multi's concert. They were now dark circles and vacant. The scientist looked like a wreck. As if he had aged a good few years.
"Looks like a finished project to me."
He spoke softly, pausing only a second before turning his head back to the mirror of doom. Heat rushed to his head as he felt Multi's torso pressed against his back. The scientist had never done this before, but today he was clearly particularly unsettled. His movements seemed automatic, leading to at least a momentary intimacy, providing fleeting respite. Whatever the case, Quackity didn't protest, giving silent permission for physical contact.
"No. The most important part is still missing."
Quackity was able to guess what Multi was referring to. He simply nodded, feeling anxiety filling his heart. Even though he was aware of what the scientist's plans entailed, the man still scared him a little, revealing a more and more strange side with each passing day.
No, 'a little' wasn't enough to describe what Quackity felt. But perhaps no words could encompass the mishmash that was unfolding in his head as he gradually learned how the radiation was poisoning his friend's brain.
Or maybe Quackity just told himself it was the radiation. Maybe Multi was always like this.
"Can we get out of here?"
He asked weakly, suddenly feeling very stuffy. Multi didn't answer for a moment, but his hand tightened on Quackity's shoulder. This was starting to get worrying.
"Why? You don't like my project?"
Alex shuddered. It sounded a bit manipulative, and it was hard to tell if that was the intended effect. One glance at Multi's face was enough to see a range of emotions. The scientist's jaw was clenched tightly and his blue eyes stared stubbornly into Quackity's face. This seemed to seriously shake Multi.
Quackity wasn't sure whether open criticism was the right course of action. To give himself time, he faced Multi, allowing himself a quick glance. The scientist hasn't been looking his best lately, that's clear.
"No, that's not it. I just want to get some fresh air and spend time with you."
It wasn't entirely a lie. After all, Quackity did enjoy talking to Multi, or even just watching him as he silently worked out some complex scheme or cleaned up the lab. Anything, really. And this place was starting to get overwhelming, so the 'fresh air' part also counted.
Multi certainly wasn't convinced, but he didn't comment, straightening his back and nodding in silent agreement. He likely blamed his uncertainty on his innate skepticism, which was convenient for Alex at that moment.
Quackity was generally still worried, a lot. His friend looked nothing like himself, or at least nothing like the version of himself he'd presented when they first met. It seemed that spending time alone working on the reactor wasn't doing him any favors, increasing his paranoia and adversely affecting his health. He managed to hide it most of the time, but a trained eye could see sunken eyes and skin that was suspiciously green in some places, giving Multi a disturbing appearance. The problem was more how to get him out of it... he had really gotten involved in the reactor expansion and all this suspicious research that was keeping him awake at night. No matter how much Quackity pondered it, he couldn't find a way out. He was ashamed to admit that more than once he chose to think about something more pleasant rather than just exacerbate his fear for his friend.
As they left the room and headed for the exit from the reactor chamber, Quackity glanced around suspiciously, his attention sharpening. The room had subtly changed, with new cameras scanning the facility, and the walls had turned green, covered in mycelium. It didn't look good. It seemed more like Multi's uranium work was getting out of control, rapidly transforming from a safe energy production process into creating some kind of plague that contaminated the room.
Needless to say, Quackity made more than usual an effort to perform an exemplary decontamination as soon as they disappeared through the door.
The interior of the Polish Cave looked deserted at this hour. It's unclear what the remaining members of the group were doing, but the night was still young, so it was safe to assume they were having a great time outside the base. What was interesting, however, was that Multi isolated himself from them, so absorbed in his work that he separated himself from his friends' youthful antics and plans. Quackity thought this lack of human contact was another factor contributing to his worsening condition.
The scientist visibly relaxed after leaving the reactor. He removed his gloves and hung his medical gown, which clung to him like a second skin, over the back of a chair. Away from the reactor's toxins, Alex breathed a sigh of relief at the fresher air. Still, the Poles' base was a pleasant place to spend time, though Quackity was starting to miss the rest of the group he had so neglected to visit lately. He made a mental promise to himself that he would organize a meeting with a larger group, if only to provide Multi with company among familiar people. He deserved a break.
"Quackity, we need to talk."
Alex had barely managed to sit up when the clear command reached his ears. He looked up at Multi, who stood over him uncertainly for a moment before sitting down beside him.
"You want to talk to me? About what?"
Deep down, he probably knew what this discussion would be about, but he secretly hoped it was just his imagination. He wasn't the best at taking responsibility for his actions.
"About your visit to the secret room."
Well, it couldn't have been that simple. The only upside was that Multi didn't seem as angry as Quackity had feared. His tired face showed only determination to find the truth. It was good to know he wasn't closed off and was committed to understanding the motive. That didn't mean this conversation would be easy.
"Is there anything wrong with wanting to see your work, Multi? You took me to the reactor yourself, I guess I have the right to explore a bit as your friend."
Quackity smiled as brightly as he could, nudging his colleague with his shoulder. Lightening the mood seemed his priority now, anything to placate the scientist a little.
"No, there's nothing wrong with walking around the reactor I showed you, as long as I know about it. It's for your safety, after all."
Now Multi seemed slightly displeased, his mouth forming a straight line almost immediately. It seemed Quackity had seriously stepped on his toes and aroused concern and suspicion. That was probably justified...
Alex's nervousness was palpable, but he still insisted on keeping a positive face. All was not lost; it was just a minor setback. All he had to do was promise he wouldn't do it again and things would be the same between them. He wasn't about to lose this relationship because of his own stupidity.
"Don't worry, I passed through the decontamination zone. I'll be fine, you're inside there all the time yourself. But I'm glad you're concerned."
His wings fluttered slightly and in a burst of boldness and the desire to appease his friend, he hugged him briefly. It was only a quick squeeze, but Multi was visibly tense, as if trying to keep himself from pushing him away. It hurt a little, but Alex tried to ignore his feelings, smiling and rolling his eyes.
"Don't distract me. There's another thing. How did you find out about the secret room?"
Multi's tone was serious, and the atmosphere thickened slightly. Yeah, this question definitely wasn't the most comfortable or easiest to avoid.
Quackity scratched his neck, thinking hard about how to get out of this. Whatever he said, it probably wouldn't do him any good.
"I once saw you go in there and I couldn't help but be curious. I guess that's one of my bad traits."
He shrugged indifferently, still smiling. The ground was muddy, but that was okay. Quackity could handle it.
Multi sighed suddenly, rubbing his eyes. It was a sign of weakness rarely seen in him; he usually did what he could, trying to figure out how to mask his true emotions and fears. Before Quackity realized what was happening, the scientist leaned against him, placing his head on the shorter man's shoulder.
Alex didn't move an inch, a bit shocked. It was hard to find anyone more reluctant to show affection than Multi. He couldn't be accused of insincerity, after all, he was famous for his directness and bluntness. But initiating physical contact? Quackity had trouble remembering the last time this had happened. Multi was outdoing himself today.
Once the initial surprise had passed, the man slowly raised his hand, as if trying not to frighten a wild animal, and laced his fingers through the dreadlocks of Multi. Quackity had a strange feeling that such a chance might not come around again anytime soon, and that he should make the most of it, guaranteeing his friend a safe space. It was the best he could do.
Multi seemed indifferent to the steady stroking of his head, only occasionally sighing softly against Alex's neck. One could assume that he had no objections or was even actually enjoying this moment of personal powerlessness.
"If you betray me, I'll kill myself."
The words were almost inaudible, spoken against Quackity's neck in a soft, muffled voice. Alex shuddered as he felt the vibrations against his skin. Multi's words were terrifying in their own way, but all he felt was a hint of excitement and warmth spreading through his chest. It's a twisted way to reveal your attachment, but it's the most honest way a scientist could choose.
The head-stroking resumed.
"I won't betray you, Multi."
The promise was emphatic, and perhaps just a little terrifying. Alex might not be the most responsible person, but Multi's trust was something he honestly had no intention of abusing. He leaned down enough to place a kiss on his friend's head. He didn't usually go this far, but now he felt a surge of boldness and satisfaction.
Multi blinked nervously, not appreciating this outpouring of affection but not having the strength to resist. He was unusually docile today.
This also seemed suspicious to Quackity. Multi wasn't the explosive type, he tended to be cautious in interpersonal interactions, but... he wasn't letting himself be fooled. Not like this. The fact that he barely reacted to yet another physical display of love was unusual. Alex shifted his position slightly so Multi could lean back more comfortably. The scientist was heavier and taller, but that wasn't a big deal. Quackity could handle that too.
The minutes ticked by unbearably, and the cave filled with an increasingly dense darkness, dulling his eyes. Quackity himself began to feel a slight drowsiness, covered by the familiar weight like a warm blanket. The scent of Multi's skin mingled with his own, their muscles brushed against each other, their hair tangled. The cicadas sang a deathly melody that rubbed hearts.
Multi must have been utterly exhausted to abandon even the discussion of the unannounced visit to his private office. Quackity was sure that under normal circumstances, this would have resulted in quite a fight, though the scientist had never been seriously angry with him before. There had to be a first time, right?
"Quackity..."
A soft, broken sigh could be heard echoing hollowly off the stone walls. Alex shivered, instinctively wrapping his wing protectively around the man.
"Yes?"
Multi didn't move for a moment, but his heart beat steadily in his chest. If Quackity had known him less, he probably would have assumed the scientist was just a little sleep-deprived. He certainly wouldn't have predicted that his friend was dying inside from weeks of inhuman work.
Yeah, Multi was so damn inhuman.
It was hard to call him a monster, though. Perhaps it stemmed from naive sympathy, but Quackity truly believed the man possessed a shred of simple human love and basic emotions. He clung to that hope like a lifeline. They both probably would have drowned if they lost each other.
But Alex was no amateur. He'd seen more terrible things in his life than the average island visitor and had developed a tolerance for such situations. He didn't get involved beyond what was painful, he didn't allow himself to be manipulated, he didn't allow himself to become a pet in the hands of anyone who might hurt him. Although sometimes the thought of being hurt wasn't as awful as it should be. Sometimes it became a tempting forbidden fruit, smelling suspiciously of sterilants and expensive perfumes. And a reactor.
"You can't leave. Not now. Not ever. Do you understand that?"
Multi's words shook Alex from his thoughts, and his body returned to its normal, chilled temperature. The man's voice was rough and determined, even if helpless. Quackity nodded, feeling cold fingers creep up his collarbone until they clung to his neck, burrowing beneath the collar of his sweatshirt.
"Did I do something to suggest I'd leave?"
Multi just snorted demurely against his arm, letting his fingers clench a little tighter.
"You traitors never do anything to suggest you'd leave. And then I'm still left alone."
Traitors. It's like he'd already signed Alex's death warrant. That he would leave him. Abandon him like an unwanted mutt. But that wasn't true, no, Quackity didn't want to do that. And he wouldn't. Certainly not.
"Multi, I won't betray you. But you have to let me in on what you're doing."
"Yous should tell me things too."
"For now, you're the one keeping the most secrets here."
He could almost feel Multi pout, dissatisfied but realizing he had no choice. It must have been hard for him to surrender to someone enough to be authentic with them.
The scientist's fingers trailed down Alex's neck for a moment before they moved down to his spine, stroking every single vertebra. A shiver ran down Quackity's body, causing Multi to snort a small laugh.
"Yes, I have secrets. But they will become your secrets too if you prove you're worthy of my trust."
"Isn't the fact that I'm letting you do whatever you want to me proof enough?"
"It's just your body. Frail and fragile. You are no different from the egg you came from. From which we all came. Humanity is like a shell that will shatter at the slightest mistake."
"If that's the case, then maybe I allow you to make the mistake that will break me."
"You've already broken. I'm only putting you back together. Only I can."
Silence fell between them. Multi shifted slightly in his seat, straightening and letting his hands slide down to Quackity's waist, which he wrapped gently around. His fingers dug into the empty crevices between the man's ribs.
"Quackity, listen. This is just your body. Bones that will break someday, internal organs that will one day rot and no longer function, skin that can be torn like paper with any blade. I don't care about any of that."
Multi dug his teeth gently into the crevice between his neck and shoulder after he had uncovered his sweatshirt. The pressure increased until he felt the skin break open and the sticky blood seep into his clothes. As if the scientist wanted to prove a point. That Alex was fragile.
"I'm a scientist. I know every secret of your body. I know how your liver works and what to do to make it stop. I know what to inject intravenously to paralyze you. I know how you moisten your eyes, feel arousal, breathe. I can destroy all of that. Because I know how it works. Beyond my strength is only your soul. That's why I think it's beautiful. You are beautiful."
Quackity suddenly felt hot, yet sad. Multi's words were objectively worth a fortune. It was the closest thing he could come to a declaration of love. So why did he feel like crying?
He breathed steadily, letting his body rest limply against Multi's chest, who was now nuzzling his neck. The scientist's fingers continued to softly stroke his ribs, absorbing every twitch of his body like a sponge. It was so sweet. How awful and hurtful he was.
"Multi, why are you telling me all this?"
He dared to ask in a sluggish voice, staring absently at the cave's random stone wall.
Multi smiled, and Quackity could feel it.
"A moment of weakness. By the way, you're really hard now."