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Chapter 4 * Celebration

It had only just been a week, and yet, Spam's life already felt drastically different from anything he remembered. Gone were the days of him sitting in his store, lonely and rotting away while watching the hours tick by. He wasn't making impressive sales by any chance, but things were finally picking up the pace, and for once, he had enough money to get some new better stock in place.

Stock which he had spent most of his day organizing, often interrupted by Mike as the old microphone incessantly barked orders at him with unmatched enthusiasm. Now say this line, lift that box quicker, the take got messed up, do it again. Again! Quicker! Better! Faster!

Spam was quick to realize that Mike wasn't lying when he said he was going to put him to work, and although his methods did feel a bit neurotic, the Addison still felt excited to work every day, it felt good to actually live out to his purpose. Though he could do without the delays, it was still part of the deal for him to make appearances on their show… Somehow. He didn't question where the camera was, in fact, Spam had long stopped questioning a lot of things since he had found that strange phone. The two darkners communicating to him through his TV? The microphone guiding his words? Sure! That was completely normal!

Spam had been so caught up with the calls with his new mentor and his elusive partner that he almost failed to notice his regular phone chiming in with a notification, his group chat with the Addisons having a new message.

"Same hour tonight?" One of them had asked and Spam gasped, looking at the calendar on his wall and realizing that his weekly meet up with the Addisons was tonight. Somehow it had completely slipped his mind as the excitement of the new sales had taken over him. On his other hand, he held the rotary phone, having a call with Mike who seemed to be talking about something as Spam quickly texted his siblings.

"So I'll need you to make that decision soon, alright? Do you still need time to figure it out? I wouldn't say we're on a strict schedule but it would help with moving things along!" Mike spoke as Spam texted on his phone with one hand.

"Uhum…" He hummed, having been distracted by his texting.

"Spam-spam! Kiddo! Are you paying attention? You don't sound like you're paying attention!" The microphone laughed on the other side of the rotary phone, snapping Spam out of his trance.

"O-Oh! N-No, s0rry!" He squeaked out "I just got a text and I'm supposed to be meeting with my family soon!" He passed a nervous hand by his hair "I completely forgot..."

"Family? You mean the other Addisons? They're your competitors, aren't they?" Mike muttered dubiously, getting a laugh from Spam.

"No, Mike! I told you they're not [Like that] !" He smiled as he walked around with the phone in hand, wrapping up his chores.

"Well, I don't trust 'em!" He scoffed, "Besides, what's this about you meeting up with them? Are you slacking off? Who said you could take a break? We got work to do!" He cackled, but Spam wasn't convinced.

"Come on, I'm just closing the store [Early hours]... I [Promise], I'll have made my decision by tomorrow! You're going to [Love it] ! …I think."

"So you DO know what career you want! And you're choosing NOT to tell me?"

"Uhum…" He nodded with a smile, texting some more "I want to know what they'll [Think about it] first… It's not a very… Uhm... "Feminine" career…" Spam's tone seemed to get quieter when he said this.

"Ack! And that's important to them, somehow? Who cares what they think!" Spam could imagine the way he rolled his eyes at this.

"I care! They don't know I'm a guy, th-they'll think it's [Weird] !" Spam protested but then adjusted his glasses "B-But besides that! I also want to tell them about the [Sales!] I've been making! It's… It's the first time I actually have anything to [Show and tell] for it!"

"I suppose so…" Mike grumbled, his tone softening "Alright. But don't you go prattling on about these calls or any of this dark world contact nonsense! Host and I are still trying to figure this stuff out and if word gets out on your end, it might become a great deal of trouble!"

"[Trouble] ? What kind of trouble?”

"Think dimensional rifts, the Roaring, worlds collapsin0, all that nonsense! I'm not supposed to say much, but we're dealin' with somethin' BIG."

"...Right. Heh… And this will [Happen] if I tell my siblings about you."

"Don't think I can't hear ya snickerin'! This ain't funny! Look, go have your meeting and whatnot, but do NOT mention the calls!"

"Alright, I'll prevent [The Roaring] by keeping my mouth shut." Spam continued to snicker "If the world suddenly [ EXPLODES ], you'll know I failed you."

"Yes! You have! But anyway…" He grumbled but sounded like he was smiling. "You know, Host and I WERE going to give you a gift tonight, but since you're so keen on making us wait for your career reveal, I have decided that we too will withhold it for now."

"A gift…?" Spam perked up with this, then looked dubiously, "What's the catch? More work?"

"No catch! We don't even have to record it if you don't want to! Just a little something to maybe help boost your confidence."

Spam couldn't help but feel excited with this, fidgeting with his hands as he smiled "Hmm… What is it? Can I get a [Hint] ?"

"Already told you, it will boost your confidence! No more questions!"

"Huh?! You can't just say som3thing like that and [Not] tell me what it is!"

"Well, you shouldn't have taunted me, kid!"

"You're my mentor! You're supposed to be [Encouraging] me!" Spam whined but the microphone wasn't convinced.

"Spam-Spam, didn't you have a [Very Important] family meeting to attend?" He smirked "So important in fact, that it warranted you to leave work earlier without prior warning? Behaviour which, as I remind you, I am currently [Rewarding] with my benevolence?"

Spam huffed in response, "Umph. Fiiiiine. You're the boss."

"That's what I like to hear!" Mike cackled "We'll be waiting to hear from you! You better make up for lost time tomorrow!"

"Heh… Mike, it's [30 minutes] earlier, I think you can handle me being [Long gone] for that long. I'll call you back tomorrow, alright?"

"Agh, you and your excuses! Don't forget it! Alright. Talk to you later, kid." He grumbled, getting another snicker from Spam as the two eventually ended the call.

Spam sighed in relief after this. He was still trying to make up his mind about Mike, after all. They had only been calling for about a week, but somehow the chatty microphone made sure to talk his ear off every single day, making Spam feel like he had known him all his life. Despite whatever supernatural influences were at play, his advice still felt effective. Perhaps Mike was a bit too aggressive and upfront in his approach, tough on him and wanting to get things done, but somehow, it seemed to be working on him.

But yet, Spam felt bad, it actually working made him like he was somehow betraying or indirectly dismissing the advice from the Addisons. But he also had to admit that he was finally getting results, even with strings being pulled in the back.

He used to be absolutely terrified of approaching any potential customers, but now, that petrifying fear had subsided to just mild anxiety since he could finally talk to other darkners and actually make sales.

He put away his things and started getting ready, texting the Addisons while at it. He yawned, already feeling too tired to go out, but the excitement to talk to his siblings in person definitely outweighed it.

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Spam had begun to make his way outside, closing up his shop. For the first time ever, he didn't dread the weekly meetup where he'd just sit in his corner and feel dismissed and pitied. He was finally becoming a real Addison now! He'd have stories to share and have things to brag about and show off just like his siblings did!

After a long walk, he had finally reached the Cyber Grill but was met with an odd sight. The four Addisons were by the entrance, chatting and then stopping when they noticed him, giving him bright warm smiles, but Spam looked concerned. Usually, they'd all meet up inside of the restaurant, what was going on?

Neither of them were saying anything, simply exchanging mischievous smiles. It couldn't help but make Spam shiver as he approached them, face visibly worried "H-Hi… What's going on? Am I [Late to the party] ?"

Flash, the fidgeting yellow Addison, was the first one to break in his silence, tackling his smaller sibling into a hug as he laughed "SURPRISE!!"

"WH-WHAT?!" Spam looked confused, hugging him back as the other Addisons joined in the hug, congratulating him. "I-Is it our [Happy Birthday!] ?! What's going on?!" He anxiously smiled and cowered, feeling a bit smothered.

One by one, the Addisons let go of him, with Click adjusting his pink ponytail and looking through his phone "I got us some reservations at the Color Café to celebrate you making your first sales." He spoke, having a rare smile on his face.

"C-Color Café?!" Spam gasped "B-But that's…"

"At the Queen's mansion, yes." Boost added with a smile "You're a salesperson now, it feels right to celebrate!"

Spam couldn't help but blush with this, gasping as Flash put him on his back "B-But I can't [Afford] that!" He looked visibly embarrassed, clinging to his brother "I haven't made that many sales yet! Isn't that place really [Expensive] ?"

"We have everything covered." Banner finally spoke with a soft smile, getting nods from the others "You don't need to worry about any of that! It's a special occasion! Our treat."

"Yep! All the best for our tiny sis!" Flash chimed as Spam nervously laughed.

"A-Are you sure? I d-don't need anything [Fancy]…" He blushed timidly "I'd still like to [Pay my part], if that's [Ok] !"

"You can do that when you start becoming super-rich!" Flash continued before Click signalled to the group.

"We should be going, we still have to get to the mansion." He spoke, seeming focused on his phone before putting it away.

"I've never been to the mansion before…" Spam muttered, clinging on to Flash as the group started making their way towards their new destination.

As the massive building made its way into view, Spam looked in awe. He had seen the mansion countless times on TV and in pictures before, but the real thing was massive in comparison.

Spam had only been half participating in the conversation with the Addisons, still piggybacking on Flash, who insisted that Spam's legs were "too short" and he'd "get tired quicker" if he walked too much. Therefore, he should be carried the entire way. Though Spam got the feeling that his brother just wanted the workout.

"Have any of you ever been to the mansion?" Boost asked, the older orange Addison giving them a curious look as they arrived at the entrance.

"I have a few clients in the mansion, but I never visited myself." Click mentioned.

"I've sold shoes to some of the inhabitants, but this is my first time here, how exciting…" Banner looked with a content smile on his face.

"To be honest, I didn't even know this place was open for the public!" Flash exclaimed as Spam looked fidgety.

"Th-This feels like [A Lot] just for me…" He mumbled, but his siblings still looked excited.

"Nonsense! We always agreed that once all of you started making proper sales, a proper celebration was in order!” Boost said, turning to Spam "And besides, you've been working hard to get where you are, it should be acknowledged."

Spam blushed with this, getting down from Flash's shoulders, keeping his gaze low. It still felt undeserving, considering how much he constantly needed someone to hold his hand whenever he did anything. He felt his siblings would likely take offense if he mentioned that he had a new mentor who actually got results out of him, so instead he remained quiet, looking around as the group walked inside the mansion.

Spam had begun to zone out from the Addisons' conversation again as he craned his neck to gather his surroundings. He was already small but the mansion just loomed over him, lively and luxurious, the residents were known for their high status as not just about anyone could afford a room in the mansion. There wasn't a speck of dust, as from everywhere he looked, Spam could see the Swatchlings hard at work while maintaining the place clean.

He had also never seen a Swatchling in person, but the birds too were a lot taller and bulkier than they appeared in pictures. They'd likely not even notice he was there if he ran into one.

"Spam? Are you coming?" He heard one of the Addisons call for him at the door of the café, making him snap out of his daydreaming state as he scuttled towards them.

"I didn't realize how [[BIG]] they were!" Spam stammered nervously, looking back at the birds and then at his siblings who laughed between each other.

"If you like that, then you will love the Color Café." Boost laughed, getting Spam to blush.

"I d-didn't say I [Liked] it!" He quickly protested as they made their way inside "I w-was just surprised!"

Boost nodded knowingly as Click seemed to speak with one of the waiters. The café had a warm comforting atmosphere, filled with soft music and decorated with lace and roses, and Spam knew he felt completely out of his element. He was basically living on the outskirts of the Trash Zone, this was no place for someone like him.

The waiter directed them to a table and Spam soon realized what Boost meant. The entire café was being run by Swatchlings. Cooking, serving food, all with an unbroken flow, working together like a hivemind.

"Are we even allowed to be here?" Flash cackled "This place is way too fancy! We're like, the only Addisons here!"

"I think it's lovely…" Banner smiled "Thank you for the suggestion, Pink… I think Spammy is a bit too enamoured with the place as well…"

Spam snapped out of his daydreaming state, chuckling nervously as he couldn't help but watch the Swatchlings at work "I'm just [Can you imagine?] living here! It's so different from the Trash Zone…"

"I'm sure you'll be able to move out of there eventually…" Boost nodded with a smile "Or whenever you're willing to let us help you."

"Th-Thanks, I know but… It's something I need to do on my own…" His voice trailed off as one of the bird waiters approached their table.

"Good evening. Welcome to the Color Café. Have you decided on what you'll be having?" They spoke in a calm and silky-smooth voice. Spam looked embarrassed once again, taking a discreet look at the waiter. But something about them seemed… off when compared to the others.

While all the other Swatchlings were perfectly coordinated between one another, this one appeared to be like they were put aside. Or perhaps it was their waiter outfit? The birds were nearly all colour coded, but this one seemed to be wearing a striking black and white asymmetric look with angular glasses that none of the others seemed to wear...

And for just a moment, the waiter noticed his staring and Spam quickly averted his gaze, his cheeks flushed red. How embarrassing…

Click made their orders, and as the waiter bowed and left their table, the pink Addison raised his eyebrow "Uhm. I didn't know they worked here…"

"Was that…?" Banner asked, getting a nod from Click. Spam looked between the both of them, then glanced back at the waiter who disappeared into the crowd, feathered tail flickering behind them.

"Wh-Who was [That]…?" Spam quietly asked, getting a teasing nudge from Flash who sat beside him.

"Pretty bird has caught your eye, uh? You need to learn to be a little more subtle than that." He laughed, getting Spam to cover his face in embarrassment.

"Ugh! I stared too hard, I think I made them uncomfortable…" Spam whined.

"I'm sure they're used to it! You can't be that shamelessly handsome and not expect to make Lil Spammy swoon dreamily."

"I WAS [NOT!!] SW00NING !" He protested to his brother before Boost interrupted with a cough.

"Ahem." was all he needed to say to make the younger siblings remember that this was no way to behave in a fancy restaurant "To answer your question, Spam. I believe that was Swatch, they're an artist who works for the Queen."

"Whaaat?" Flash laughed "What kind of Swatchling is named Swatch? That's kind of like me being named Ad, or err… Addi…"

"They are the Swatch." Click stated "The prototype Swatchling if you will. The first one the others were modelled after."

"I'm surprised to see them serving as a waiter here…" The blue Addison spoke curiously, "I thought they were working on art pieces for the Queen…"

"Heh. Guess you gotta make ends meet somehow when living in a place like this!" Flash laughed as Spam quietly listened, finding"the Swatch" in the crowd again. No wonder they felt out of place, he felt like he did as well with his fellow Addisons… Maybe they had that in common? Spam shook his head, feeling weird for focusing so much on a stranger he had just learned about.

Their meals were soon ready, and Spam's stomach grumbled as he realized just how hungry he was. With how much he had coffee for breakfast and cheap fast food for all his meals, he always looked forward to these outings where he'd be able to have a proper meal for once. It was a plate of SpaghettiCode, admittedly the only thing on the fancy menu that had a name he could properly recognize, and lucky for him, it was also the cheapest dish they had.

Twirling the fork into it, Spam brought the meal to his mouth, immediately becoming delighted by the flavour. Despite the simpler nature of the meal compared to what his siblings had ordered, it was easily the best plate of spaghetti he had ever had.

"So Spam," Banner started "You finally started making sales. What changed?" He asked with a soft smile.

Spam raised his head with a curious look, then looked a bit nervous, noticing how the other Addisons looked expectantly at him.

"N-Nothing much… It just… happened… " Casually, he tried to dismiss it, but it was clear that he was nervous. Was it a lie, though? The phone calls just happened, meeting Mike and Host just happened, he had done nothing to change his fate and yet, someone still came to his aid, offering him help on a silver platter.

"Aww... Banner, come on! Spam doesn't want to spill her secrets like that!" Flash interjected, getting Spam to awkwardly smile as he pulled him out of that awkward line of questioning.

"Y-Yeah…!"

"Unless it's super good marketing advice that could help us out as well!" The Yellow Addison continued, getting a disapproving look from the older siblings.

"She just started to make sales!" Banner scoffed, crossing his arms "Don't be greedy."

"Hey, you asked first!"

The Addisons bickered for a bit as Spam took a moment of that distraction to return to his meal, noticing Click looking at him from across the table, not participating in the fighting. The Pink Addison had always been distant, working multiple jobs and always appearing to be on his phone, texting who Spam assumed to be his various clients. But instead, his dark eyes were on his small form, face neutral as Spam looked back at him with a confused expression.

"Did something change, Spam?” He calmly asked, his voice devoid of emotion, it sounded neither curious nor accusatory, but it still left the small white Addison feeling unnerved. Mike specifically requested, no, DEMANDED not to be brought up. But even if he hadn't, Spam knew that mentioning his contact from a neighbouring dark world was just an invitation to be called delusional by his peers.

"I… I've just been learning…"He mumbled as the other Addisons quieted down from the fight, focusing on him once again "Uhm… Th-The right words to say, I mean! So I d-don't scare people [[50% Off!]] when I- Agh!" He shook his head, groaning at the vocal glitch "Wh3n [THIS] happens!"

The Addisons offered him their smiles, the look of pity was still there, but it wasn't as demeaning as it usually was.

"Well, you're making sales now, so I'm glad you managed to find something that works for you." Boost spoke, taking a sip from his drink.

"Yeah!" Flash agreed "You should totally start using that glitch to your advantage! Imagine how much it could make your ads [Pop] !"

"I c-can't control it, though! I-It just [Happ3ns] !" He stammered "Besides, I d-don't [Want] to make it obvious that I'm def3ctive…" He mumbled, feeling Banner reach for his hand with a worried smile.

"There is nothing wrong with being defective…" He spoke, getting Spam to let out a sigh.

"There is n-nothing [Wrong!] with being defective…" Spam struggled to repeat, looking down in embarrassment "I know, it's [Just] that… I already [Look the part] …"

"As long as you focus on doing a good job and selling good products, you should be fine." Click spoke, getting the other Addisons to agree, "Which reminds me. What are you planning on doing with your career? Your products always seemed a little… unfocused. No offense."

Spam winced with this comment. It was harsh but ultimately true. He fidgeted with his fingers nervously, the conversations rarely focused on him for this long.

"Uhm… I do have this [Idea]… But…"

"No way, let's hear it, Spammy!" Flash was quick to interrupt him, getting the white Addison to look embarrassed. Maybe he should have told Mike first, not the other way around…

"I… I want to sell cars…" He admitted, looking down as if not wanting to see the reactions he'd get to this.

"Cars?" He heard Boost comment curiously.

"Where did THAT come from?" Flash laughed.

"Oh, that's interesting, Spammy, but…" Banner looked a bit hesitant "Wouldn't you rather sell something… smaller…?"

"If there's a demand…" Click commented, taking a bite of his meal "I wasn't expecting to hear that, however."

Spam wanted to cower with this, but he couldn't blame them for being surprised. He usually wasn't one to talk about his interests openly like that. He nervously adjusted his glasses "I've a-always wanted to..." He quickly stated "I d-didn't think I'd have a [Chance], b-but if things pick up, then… I… I think I could do it! Just… maybe making [TV ads] and presenting my lines…!" He smiled, looking determined, despite the uncertain looks from his peers "I could pull it off…!"

"I'm not saying you can't do that, Spam…" Boost began, looking like he was picking his next words carefully "But… It is primarily a male-dominated field…" He commented, getting Spam to look down, hands gripping his black sweater. He wanted to tell them that he was a male, but he couldn't bring himself to do it, this was overwhelming enough.

"I… I know that…" He stuttered, voice quieting down "I-It's just an idea, I… I'd have to change my look, probably…" He buried his fingers in the back of his white hair.

"Of course that we do support you, Spam!" Banner quickly interjected with a concerned expression "Just… Don't get your hopes too high…

"Guys, you're bumming her out!" Flash scoffed, rubbing his small sibling's shoulder "What's important is that Spam doesn't forget about us when she becomes the richest and most popular Addison in the whole city!"

"I would [NEVER] !" Spam gasped and sighed, returning to his meal "I… It's just a thought I have… I-It's nothing final… And looking the [[Off-Model/Off-Colour]] way I do…" His voice quieted down.

"It's good to consider other options if it does not work out." Click spoke, looking at him "Just don't overlap with any of our jobs. But I figure you already know that."

Spam quietly nodded, feeling relieved that the mention of their jobs got his siblings to finally switch conversation topics and stop focusing on him. He finished his meal, getting a numb nauseous feeling on his stomach after that whole exchange. Of course that he shouldn't get his hopes up, he already knew he'd be setting himself up for disappointment if he did, but was it so wrong to hope?

Distracted, he turned to watch the Swatchlings hard at work again, reminding himself of where he was. If he made enough money, maybe he could even move closer to the mansion and visit more often… He could certainly get used to living like this.

But his thoughts were distracted when, from the corner of his eye, he saw that same waiter from before. Swatch, was it? The bird seemed to be watching him but quickly looked aside to adjust their glasses when they were spotted. Spam raised his eyebrow as the waiter pretended to be busy with a chore, walking off into the back of the kitchen and out of sight.

He simply blinked in surprise, wondering what that was all about. They were definitely new to this job… But why did they run off? Perhaps it was the way they stood out from the crowd, but Spam simply couldn't get his eyes off them.

"This place is leaving me a bit too [[Flustered]]..." He mumbled to no one in particular.

"I take it you don't like it?" Boost chuckled and Spam gasped and quickly shook his head.

"No, it's great! It's just… I'm not used to it! These people have high [Status] !" He laughed as he rejoined their conversation, mostly by listening in and keeping quiet with only the occasional interjection.

The mood seemed to have lightened up, even if it was back to the Addisons discussing businesses while Spam listened. He wondered if his faulty programming had anything to do with why he didn't always feel like participating in these discussions. Then again, he did have to keep the most exciting things in his life a secret after all.

His thoughts were cut short when he saw the waiter leave the kitchen again, holding a large plate with what appeared to be a... cake? Click signalled to them as Spam looked confused when they approached the table.

"Apologies for the delay." Swatch politely excused themselves with a bow, but the Pink Addison shook his head with a faint smile.

"Don't worry about it." He spoke, glancing at Spam who seemed confused by this exchange "This is for our youngest sibling, Spam."

"Yeah! We're celebrating her sales today!" Flash beamed "With cake!"

Spam just flushed with all of this, his face going red with all the attention "Y-Y3s!" He managed to say, too embarrassed to look up at the bird who placed the cake on the table.

"Congratulations are in order then." They added with a gentle smile, "Your family seems very proud of you."

"Th-Thank you, [Esteemed customer] !" He quickly stammered, earning giggles from the other Addisons "I-I mean, thanks!" Their voice was deep but soft-spoken, leaving the Addison a flustered mess as he tried to focus on the cake instead.

It was vanilla with "Congrats Spam" written in melted chocolate. It had a rather minimalist decorating, similar to the particular aesthetic of the café, but Spam was quick to notice how the coloured accents and sprinkles had been chosen to match the colours of all the Addisons. Pink, blue, orange, yellow, and finally white, which was harder to see, considering the cake's already white base.

But regardless of that, Spam's eyes still beamed at the sight of the cake. And with this, the waiter also provided a smaller plate with five coloured macarons, each matching the Addisons' colours.

"The complimentary macarons are in the house." They smiled, "Thank you for visiting our café." They bowed once more and turned around to leave.

"W-Wait!" Banner quickly called out, getting the bird to look back, their attention on the blue Addison "You're Swatch, right? I'm a really big fan of your work!"

Spam noticed the way the bird got visibly anxious at this observation, tail flickering nervously and feathers puffing up ever so slightly as they forced a smile.

"A-Ah... Yes, thank you. I need to go now, I-I'm very busy." Before anyone could say anything, Swatch quickly left, as Banner looked disappointed, resting his chin on his hand.

"Hm… I was hoping to commission them to design something for my store…"

"They looked… [Nervous?]" Spam mumbled in uncertainty, munching on the vanilla macaron.

"They were on the clock, after all." Boost spoke with a chuckle, "And you do know not everyone likes to be engaged by Addisons. Some stereotypes are true, after all."

"I wasn't going to sell them anything!" Banner protested "...Unless they showed any interest...?"

"Guys!” Flash interrupted "Are we all going to ignore [DELICIOUS CAKE]?!" He then glanced at Spam was already in the process of cutting the slices, giving him a smirk in return.

"I d0n't mind! There's [More for me!] if you're all distracted!" The white Addison snickered.

"Nu-huh!" The Yellow Addison protested "You're tiny, your stomach can't handle that! You'll explode into like, so many tiny pieces if you eat all that cake. And THEN, they'll make us clean it!"

"Then [HELP] me cut this thing!" Spam chuckled with this, serving the slice and then handing it to him with a big grin. He repeated this process for the rest of his siblings and finally served himself, letting out a content sigh as he took a bite of the cake. It had a cold humid texture that almost melted in his mouth, and Spam hoped there would be just enough leftovers that he could bring it home and eat it throughout the following days. From his siblings' expressions, he could tell that they enjoyed it as well.

Despite some of the awkward conversations… This was nice. It was nice to feel like he was actually part of things. Even if the secrets he kept from them would often eat him up on the inside, Spam still found comfort in these meetings. His family didn't always get him but… They were still looking out for him regardless.

As the night came to an end, the Addisons started making their way home. Spam gladly carried a box with the leftover cake, delighted by the idea of eating it during the following days as he listened to his siblings talking. And one by one, they each left their respective ways as they waved each other goodnight.

"Are you sure you're fine walking home on your own, Spam?" Banner asked worriedly as he reached their branching point.

"Of course!" Spam quickly spoke, "I always am [Safe and Sound!], so don't w0rry about me!" He looked sheepishly and received a nod from the Blue Addison who hugged him and bid farewell.

Spam waved back and sighed as he made his way back home. He wouldn't mind being accompanied, but he didn't want his siblings to know that he was living in his store. Especially not now that they were actually proud of him. He didn't want to ruin that, even if it meant adding yet another secret to the pile of things he didn't allow himself to talk about.

Maybe that was a secret he didn't need to ever own up to. Instead, Spam's thoughts went back to the mansion, and its luxury and inhabitants. It was no place for a lowly Addison like himself, but he still craved it, reminding himself to move closer to it when he did get the chance to move out.

If he became successful, he'd be able to afford nice things and actually treat the Addisons to nice fancy dinners like they did for him. Even if moving out to the city felt like a distant dream.

He wondered what Mike would think about that, or if he'd have some choice words to say about the Addison's lukewarm response to his career idea. Or maybe he'd agree with them? Spam wasn't exactly certain of what to expect. On one hand, he felt like he could tell Mike that his lifelong dream was to become a cardboard box and somehow, the microphone would do everything in his power to make that happen. But on the other…

Spam shook his head at the thought, arriving at his store and making his way inside. He was too tired from the day to think about any of his insecurities, and none of his thoughts made sense anymore. It had been a nice day in the end, even if returning to his store felt… empty.

He went to his makeshift bed, curling on himself as his thoughts made him think of the bird waiter from earlier. Didn't Banner say they were an artist? Maybe this place could use some decorating… He turned in bed once more, letting out a sigh. Or maybe one day, he'd actually be able to get out of here.

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