Five years later…
Circuit-Breaker slowly comes out of sleep-mode, his green and pink lights turning on. He feels his complex system of motors and servos heating up, and then he rolls over. Beside him lies a very muscular Katian with red stripes, their golden eyes looking over at him with nothing but love. The Katian smiles. “Good morning, my beloved.” They smile. Circuit-Breaker lovingly nuzzles against his lover’s cheek. “Did you have a good rest?” He asks. The Katian nods, sitting up and stretching. “Yes. And you?” “The same, my love.” Circuit-Breaker stands from the bed, stretching.
Circuit-Breaker’s figure is a far cry from what it once was. Gone is the lean armored figure that had once terrorized the multiverse, in its place is a seven foot seven, three hundred pound frame composed of artificial muscles that ripple under his gray synthetic skin. Circuit-Breaker turns towards the floor length mirror to his right, gazing at the body he had worked on for the last five years. “I know I say this every morning, but it’s hard to believe that this is me now, Karden.” The robot turns back towards Karden. “And it’s hard for me to believe that we ended up together.” The Katian walks over to Circuit-Breaker, embracing him from behind, their fluffy black tail wrapping around his waist. “Today is the day that I publicly join the Newon Safety force.”
Karden lets go, stepping back. “Indeed it is. how are you feeling?” Circuit-Breaker thinks. Over the last five years he has spent in intensive therapy, he has learned how to identify and cope with his emotions and trauma. “Right now I am feeling…” he looks at Karden. “…I am feeling anxious.” The Katian nods. “I expected that, and I am feeling that as well. This will be the first time the public sees you in five years, and the first time it will be confirmed that you have a Katian husband.” Karden says. Circuit-Breaker quickly slips on a purple T-shirt and shorts. “But first I must meet my new therapist, I will see you again in a while.”
Circuit-Breaker exits their living space located within the depths of the Safety Force headquarters, making his way to an exam room and taking a seat. Soon, his new therapist arrives. “Good morning, Circuit-Breaker, My name is Doctor Emmett. You already know that I am replacing your old therapist for the last year that you are required to be in therapy.” She says. “I specifically work with mechanical people who have begun to or are currently experiencing ‘organic’ emotions and disorders. He left many notes for me, especially regarding your Dissociative Identity Disorder and alters.” She explains. Circuit-Breaker stares, not answering. Doctor Emmett frowns. “Are you dissociating at this moment?” She asks. Circuit-Breaker shudders. “Are you going to beat me if I’m bad?” He asks distantly. “Circuit-Breaker, I am here to help you heal-” Circuit-Breaker immediately leaps up from the metal chair and throws it against the wall. “I’m not Circuit-Breaker! I’m not that useless, disgusting, heap of wires!” The alter glares at Doctor Emmett through Circuit-Breaker’s visor. “What is your name then?” She asks calmly. “Michelle.” Doctor Emmett quickly writes something down.
“Daddy Lantern uses me and degrades me, he calls me a slut, and I like it.” Michelle says, a seductive tone entering her voice. “I especially like it when he uses chains to choke me.” Her long golden tongue snakes out, running across her sharp golden teeth. “Daddy Lantern had a wife named Michelle. He killed her by hanging her in the park, but he didn’t get caught. Did you know that?” Doctor Emmett realizes that Michelle is now standing very close to her, cold air emanating from her mechanical jaws. Doctor Emmett stands her ground. “I didn’t, but thank you for telling me.” Michelle shudders, her lights flickering as Circuit-Breaker returns. “She hates me and Michael. She also tries scaring everyone who tries to help us.” He says sadly. “Do you know exactly why?” She asks.
“Because we both want nothing more than for Walter Lantern to die. She copes with the sexual abuse he enacts on her by convincing herself that it is good and a reward of sorts.” He explains. “I see. Michelle in particular is part of why you are in therapy and kept safe in the Newon Safety Force HQ in the first place. It’s not because she is ‘evil’ or a ‘monster’, it’s because we don’t want her to try and go back to that abusive way of life which would most definitely re-traumatize you and Michael. Do you understand?”
Circuit-Breaker nods. Doctor Emmett summons a new chair, and Circuit-Breaker sits down once more. “I have nightmares about him seeing that my body has been rebuilt to my own specifications, and of him coming for me to take it away.” He says. “I’m very sorry to hear that. I know that your body was rebuilt using the same methods that were used for Henry Circuit’s, and that the specifications you made are very personal and influenced by your newly discovered sexual orientation and interests.” She says. “Yes, but I am still working towards being how I want to look and who I want to be. I’m gay, but I’m afraid that I will never experience a healthy relationship due to how the majority of the multiverse still views me.” Circuit-Breaker says.
“I am also fully aware that there are also those who fetishize how I was in the beginning, and also those who fetishize my trauma and disorder.” He adds. Doctor Emmett thinks for a moment. “Do you still have feelings for Aarón Melisandré?” She asks. Circuit-Breaker nods. “I see…” She writes one last note down. “I know this meeting was brief, but we will meet again for a full hour tomorrow.” Doctor Emmett holds out her hand. Circuit-Breaker awkwardly shakes it. “It was nice meeting you.” She smiles.
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Aarón sits across from Mico, who is now nineteen, at a cozy little ice cream shop in Newon. The last of their chocolate sundaes slowly melting in the unusually warm evening air. Mico feels his shoulders tense up as his uncle clears his throat. “Mico, I’ve been worried about you this last year.” Aarón says. Mico feels his heartbeat quicken, knowing full well that Aarón can hear it due to his enhanced Katian hearing. “Why?” Mico asks, trying to keep his voice stable. “I’ve noticed that you’re becoming much more introverted, even around me. You also don’t seem to be enjoying things as much.” Aarón frowns.
“Fine, my therapist and I have been talking about a potential diagnosis…” Mico admits. Aarón immediately looks concerned. “You can tell me anything.” He reassures his nephew. Mico sighs. “I’ve been experiencing symptoms of Schizophrenia, and it’s been getting worse this past year.” Aarón reaches across the table, motioning for Mico to hold his hand. Mico takes it, squeezing it as tears sting his eyes. “A recurring auditory hallucination I have is of Aylex saying he wants to rape me…” Mico says shakily. Aarón’s glowing eyes dim, a great sadness filling them. “And I sometimes also have the delusion that there is some sort of demon possessing me.”
Aarón hears Instinct growl softly. Not now… Aarón waves him off. Instinct whines. “I will never fully understand your experiences, but I’ll always support you. Do you understand?” Mico nods. “I’m going to hang out with Circuit for a bit before patrol, okay?” “Okay, see you back home.” The two part ways, Mico taking a taxi back to Circuit’s house where the gateway back home resides while Aarón heads up the street and into the center of the city. Soon he enters the giant purple and pink circus tent and walks into Circuit’s Circus Dreamland.
Aarón quickly walks to the sweet shop, his nose tingling at the sweet smell of various handmade chocolates and candies as he enters. He finds Circuit sitting behind the counter, his eyes closed. “Circuit?” Aarón says. The massive robot stirs, opening his eyes. “Oh, Hello Aarón!” He smiles. Stuggle leaps onto the counter, meowing at Aarón happily. “I got done sweeping up the shop over an hour ago, I guess that just completely tired me out.” Circuit heaves himself up, his plush body wobbling as he waddles around to the front of the counter so he can hug Aarón. Aarón sinks into the hug, relishing every soft fat roll and curve of the robot. Then, unexpectedly, Aarón begins to cry. “What’s wrong?” Circuit asks, concerned. The robot guides Aarón into the back office and onto a long couch, sitting down with the distressed Human-Katian.
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“It’s Mico. He told me that it’s suspected that he has Schizophrenia…” Aarón sniffs. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear that.” Aarón buries his head into the crook of Circuit’s arm. “I don’t want him to suffer, I’m scared it will get bad to the point where he’ll hurt himself, or worse…” Aarón says. Circuit gently pats his back, thinking. “Aarón, I have a mental condition that I have never told you about because it honestly hasn’t affected our relationship at all, but I think it’s time I tell you that I have what is sadly referred to by humans as NPD, Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” Aarón looks up at his boyfriend, shocked enough that he stops crying. “What?” A sad look appears in Circuit’s eyes. “I know that there is little to no research done on NPD on Earth, and what does exist is purely pseudoscience and all based on creating fear and stigma rather than understanding.” Circuit says.
Aarón wipes his eyes. “Here in the multiverse, it is called MED, Micro esteem Disorder. The reality of what you know as NPD is that the person who has it actually experiences an extremely low sense of self esteem and ego versus an overly inflated one. Due to this we create a metaphorical shield or persona of confidence to hide our intense insecurities. As a result, we may sometimes come off as overly confident or self centered…”
Aarón looks up at Circuit, an understanding light in his eyes. “That makes sense. Everyone has a low self esteem at times, but from what you are saying it sounds like your low self esteem is pretty much chronic and constant in nature.” Aarón says. “Yes, it certainly feels exactly like that. Not much is known how it exactly forms, but from my own experience my MED developed due to not receiving enough positive reinforcement in childhood and adolescence, and also experiencing emotional abuse whenever I would mess something up or not conform.” Circuit says. “And I do have a significant lack of empathy, but lack of empathy doesn’t equal a lack of emotion or knowing right from wrong.” He finishes.
“Man. I don’t know what to say except that I’m sorry.” Aarón embraces his boyfriend again. “You’re the only person outside of my family and the safety force who knows now. I know for certain that reactionary ableists would try claiming I’m abusive and am only part of the safety force because I want control over people…” He says. “I promise to keep this conversation confidential, big guy.” Aarón reassures him. “Thank you.” The two cuddle with each other in silence for a while.
“Aarón?” Circuit asks slowly. “What’s wrong?” Aarón asks. “I’m not sure that taking the next step with this relationship is right for me.” The robot says. Aarón feels his heart skip a beat. “How long have you been thinking that?” Circuit’s eyes grow sad. “Since Leon passed away…” Aarón feels a pang of sadness in his chest. Leon… His first husband had started experiencing problems with his lungs a year before his death. Doctors on Earth had told him to simply lose weight, but the doctors in Newon had rushed him into surgery where he had sadly not made it. “Are you afraid something like that is going to happen to either of us?” Aarón asks, his voice shaking a bit. Circuit nods. “Yes, but also because I simply feel like we would end up parting ways no matter what, and I’d rather not go through that.” Aarón stands up, looking at his potential ex boyfriend. “No matter what you choose or what happens with this relationship, I will still love you, romantic or platonic.” Circuit heaves himself up and embraces Aarón. “I’ll see you around.”Aarón leaves Circuit’s house for Kaleido palace through a gateway.
Soon, Aarón wakes Hobie who makes a soft trilling sound, his bright golden eyes opening as his neon green stripes light up. Aarón’s blue stripes do the same. “Good morning, it’s bath day today.” Hobie begins to rock his body from side to side until he gathers enough momentum to roll onto his side, his belly spilling over the side of the mattress. Aarón steps in and helps Hobie sit up. Aarón then rolls over a bed like platform on wheels with handles on the back which he helps Hobie onto. “Are you comfortable?” He asks. Hobie nods, breathing heavily from the physical activity.
Aarón rolls Hobie out of the room and to an elaborate washroom at the end of the hallway. Once inside, Aarón prepares a bucket of soap and warm water. Aarón lowers Hobie’s platform to the floor before getting to work with a sponge. Aarón makes sure to clean every inch of Hobie’s giant rolls and between the folds of his brown skin. Hobie purrs happily as his husband does so. Aarón, like always, can’t help but feel a sort of honor and joy as he bathes his giant royal lover. From his massive belly to his plush thighs and doughy arms, Hobie is nothing less than perfect to Aarón. “Are you content with how you are despite losing your mobility?” Aarón asks. Hobie lets out a big sigh. “Do not worry, my love, I am very much happy with how I am these days.” He looks at Aarón, a warm smile on his pleasantly round face. A few more minutes of cleaning later, Aarón finally starts drying him off by hand with a towel. Aarón stands back, gazing over Hobie’s rounded figure lovingly. “I’m happy you were honest with me all those years ago.” Aarón smiles. “And I am happy that you understand what you have helped me shape my body into is what I’ve always wanted.” The two embrace, kissing.
“Aarón, I have very important news that I have been keeping from you.” Hobie admits once they return to the bedroom. “Oh? What is it, my love?” Aarón asks. Hobie puts a hand to his belly, the warm smile returning. “After all these years of us trying. I am finally carrying kits.” A wave of shock hits Aarón, but then he smiles. Aarón sits down beside Hobie, placing both hands on his lover’s belly. “Hobie, I’m honestly speechless!” He exclaims. Hobie chuckles. “There’s only another month or two before they will be ready to join us in this world.” He explains. Aarón lays his head against Hobie’s belly, reaching out with his mind. His own stream of consciousness brushes against multiple small sources of magical energy from within. Aarón’s eyes widen as realization hits. “How many kits are developing?” He asks. “Five.” Hobie says with a hint of pride in his voice. Aarón sits in shock for a moment. He and Hobie had agreed that they both wanted kits in the near future, but Aaron had worried that it would never happen. Now the reality that he will finally be a father without Leon slams into him. “I’m sad that Leon won’t be here to raise them with us…” Aarón says sadly. He feels Hobie wrap his long fluffy tail around him. “I know, but he will be watching over all of us from the spirit dimensions.” Hobie reassures him. Aarón leans against Hobie, purring happily. “Do you want to go to the Oasis?” Aarón asks. “Of course.”
Aarón pushes Hobie’s wheeled platform along a brick pathway that leads from a secret back entrance of the palace and out into the colorful desert. The paved section ends, giving way to a well worn path. Aarón’s skin absorbs the warmth from the sun, and Hobie’s loud purring tells him that his lover is also enjoying its rays. Hobie’s plush body jiggles with every little bump they go over, the soft fat under his warm brown skin rippling and moving pleasantly. Aarón is happy that his lover can still enjoy the outdoors despite his physical limitations.
“We’re almost there.” Aarón says as they turn a corner. The red rock beneath them begins to give way to green grass, then they enter a lush tropical grove with a natural rocky pool of crystal clear water in the center. They make their way over to a shaded spot at the edge of the water, Aarón lowering Hobie’s platform to the ground before helping him roll over onto the soft ground. After Hobie gets situated on his back, Aarón lays down up against him, butting his head against his lover in a very cat-like way. “It’s hard to imagine that it’s only been two years since you became king and we got married…” Aarón says. “We are both kings, in a way.” Hobie reminds Aarón. “Yeah, but you’re the one who does the real work and passes laws and stuff.” Aarón points out. Hobie chuckles. “I could not properly be the king without you doing the physical work that I am unable to carry out.” Hobie drapes his tail over Aarón who purrs deeply.
“How is Circuit doing?” Hobie asks. Aarón stops purring. “Oh, uh…” his face falls as he remembers the conversation he had had just an hour or so before. “It’s complicated…” Aarón finally admits. “He said that he’s starting to feel like us being together wouldn’t be what’s best for him in the long term.” Hobie shifts slightly. “I see.” He says. “I really wanted all four of us to be together, but I guess that was unrealistic.” Aarón sighs. “I am sad too, but I am hoping that us two will be together for a very long time.” Hobie says gently. Aarón puts a hand on Hobie’s belly, reaching out towards the five small streams of magic again. “I hope our kits turn out okay.” Aarón murmurs. “They will. I also know that they will grow up to be great artists, just like you.” Hobie smiles.
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After having a relaxing time with Hobie, Aarón returns to Earth and dons the blue and gold costume Oscar had given him years ago, quietly exiting his bedroom through the window. He flies high above the small town of Hurricane on his glowing blue wings, observing the land below with his enhanced eyesight and hearing. He moves in a big spiral from the outermost reaches of the town until he lands in the densely packed center. He ducks into an alleyway and his wings disappear. His ears twitch, picking up a rather strange sound from inside the boarded up building to the right of him. He digs his claws into the brick building, climbing up with ease until he hoists himself onto the roof. There is a broken skylight and debris strew around. His ears twitch again. He sniffs the air. Crying, and I smell blood… Aarón crouches down, peering down into the dark building through the skylight. I’ve gotta go in. Aarón leaps down into the darkness, landing with grace on all fours. His eyes and stripes light up, illuminating the empty building with their orange and blue glow. Aarón hears Instinct growl fiercely. Before he can react, Aarón is struck in the head from behind.