Glisten's Diary

by The_Crown_Jewel

Summary:

To all that is reading this, why are you? This is classified information. I wasn't even supposed to put this report together in first place. I advise you to put this back wherever you found, unless I handed to you.

Sincerely,
Rodger

Chapter 1: Dizzy Spells

This was found outside Glisten's room when he was taking a nap. I figured someone left him a note and it got crumpled, presumably by Shrimpo at the time. I was already on edge personally because Glisten hardly ever takes naps, but I figured the stress must have gut to him. I opened the letter to read it and make sure Shrimpo had only crumbled it and not written it since Glisten really didn't need any more stress, but I was shocked to find his handwriting. I have attached the contents of the note below.

 

I've been prating my reflection trick more. I've gotten really good at accurately teleporting next to other toons.

I have been getting more and more dizzy with each instance though. I actually fell over this time!

I know Rodger tells me nit to do it because I've been looking worse of all things.

It was so insulting.

Anyways, I practiced more and more and more. I'm so tired. I need more beauty sleep.

 

Personally I was concerned. I considered confronting him right there, but I know how he is. He can twist anything he says to make you think what he wants, or he has that effect on me. The page could've been from today or any previous days. I hadn't known of any other naps he had taken though. I decided to sleep on it and I am now writing this report the next day. I decided to make a foolproof argument as to why I'm concerned about him. He won't stop doing this unless I can make him.

So, the mission of this report is to make him listen. I'll have to manage to snoop around his room more, but I'm sure I can do it without him being any the wiser. I will always need to remember that this is for him.

Chapter 2: Sick Days

This page was found on Glisten's desk and I managed to snatch it on my way out.

 

I can't believe the day I've just had. It's the worst day I've ever had!!!

I hat to sound like Shrimpo, but I hate today.

I almost cracked the edge of my face. I feel horrible. I hate this.

I had just teleported from one machine to the elevator and walked out. I walked into a wall!

I did it in front of everyone. God, I was so mortified. And it hurt on top of that!

I'm going to act like it never happened. It's not like anyone talks to each other about anything besides machines and food nowadays.

I can cover this up. I'm going to say that I've gotten tried if perfecting the runs.

I'm just done with this dizzy thing. I'm going to practice more and it's going to stop.

Tomorrow will definitely me a better day <3

 

In this page of the report, I am going to not that my plan to keep Glisten safe has changed. If he is going on a run, I am going with him. I will go about this by offering to go with him so we can more effectively strategize. It will give him a new thing to protect and possibly let me in on more regarding this more covert-style investigation. I will also ask him to watch Toodles more often. Toodles is great at drawing exactly what she sees. I hate bringing her in to more adult topics, but I dare say emotion is clouding my judgement. I will rethink Toodles's inclusion at a later date.

Chapter 3: Panic

This was found half tucked under Glisten's rug. I need to get him out of the room so I can pocket more notes. I'll bring out the old briefcase I used for meet and greets.

 

I don't understand what is wrong with me anymore!!!

I felt like I couldn't brethren this morning. It was like my entire bday was getting squished.

I didn't even do my little reflection trick this time.

I was preparing to go on a run with Rodger as he suggested we remain partners throughout all of this.

I agreed since it made sense. Going in pairs with people you get along with is great for survival!

I don't know what happened, but I just panicked.

I managed to get myself together and write this before I had to leave, but I still feel weird.

I'm going to be fine because I'm perfect, but I am being irrational.

I just need to remember that I'll be fine.

(Not the tear drops on the page which the note was written that seem streaked. It appears to be blown in a way, suggesting hyperventilating from Glisten. There were also a few stab marks near the side that do match to some paper particles found in the carpet. Paper is easier to stab on soft and hole-filled surfaces)

 

I feel like I should I something, but I have finally decided to enlist Toodles in the investigation. I told her that this is practice and I will be reviewing it s9 she can train ti be detective just like me. I hate to manipulate her like this, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Chapter 4: Collections

I don't know what to put here, but managed to snatch these two from his trashcan. They were intertwined, like he crumpled them up together.

 

I had a decent enough day today. I went on a run with Rodger to practice doing it together.

We had to go up fairly soon because we hadn't accounted for being so shiny without a distractor, but first tries are hardly ever perfect unfortunately.

Rodger was acting all weird in the elevator though. He kept asking me how I felt.

I said I was doing perfectly good thank you very much, but he kept pushing!!!

I don't know what's wrong with him, but I'll ask him later.

(This hit was wrapped around the is die if the second nite and presumably the first one he wrote based on many factors)

I hate my life. I hate it so much. Everything is the worst!

So, I was watching Toodles for (The text is smudged but it probably says 'Rodger')

I love spending time with the kid, so I had no problems. She doesn't know much about fashion, but she's willing to learn.

Anyways, I was doing her makeup when I started to feel like I was DYING ("DYING" was underlined three times as well, but I need to ask Vee how to underline words later)

I don't know how to describe it since I was panicking like I did before, but I mostly remember being dizzy and feeling sick to my stomach.

Toodles noticed, of course. She's too smart for own good. But she started to panic!!! Poor baby.

I told her I was fine and she acted like she believed me, but she probably didn't. I couldn't even play with her the rest of the time!

I hope I don't get her sick too. Rodger. Would. Kill me!!! ("Kill me!!!" is also underlined thrice)

 

I was also lucky enough to get a drawing of Glisten from Toodles. She was rather annotative with what she wrote in the back too.

 

(This particular drawing is made with markers. The only drawn things are Glisten, his bed, and his floor. The drawing is a bit scratchy, similar to Brusha's rough sketches, and has pencil on the back. Glisten is sitting on his bed with his legs crossed, but it kind of looks like he has one leg.)

So, Glisten was babysitting me today (even if I'm nota baby) and he did my makeup! I got pick lipstick and pink eyeshadow. I loved it. So, Glisten got this look on his face like he was swallowing lemon juice, like before Sprout mixes the fresh lemon with the water and sugar, and his had was shaking! I was really worried, so I asked if he was okay. He said he was fine, but he was lying. He had been chasing me around his room before this and then he stoped. I think that counts about changes in behavior like Rodger says. I love talking about things, so I talked about my dog plush and how it looks like me and how makeup makes me feel like I look like him and like looking like people but he wasn't really listening. I was fine though. I just hope Rodger uses this in an actual investigation!

 

I do love reading what Toodles writes, but I hope I can read more stories and less things about such upsetting topics. To stay on topic, these details show a rapid progression in Glisten's symptoms. I will add some interviews to this document to bolster my argument.

Chapter 5: Medicine (Audio File 1)

Notes:

This is only an audio file in the canon of the fic.

Cosmo: Rodger, I just heal people during runs. I don't know anything else about medicine.

Rodger: I just need to know anything that you know.

Cosmo: Wow, you seem pretty desperate.

Rodger: You could say that. So, can you tell me anything about why someone might be dizzy?

Cosmo: Well, you could be dehydrated or you could have a fever for a few examples. There's a lot of reasons.

Rodger: Seeing as you heal during runs, do you know how abilities affect a toons health?

Cosmo: Well, me and Ginger get hurt when we do it, and Astro gets extra tired when he uses his.

Rodger: Who have you observed getting dizzy after using their ability?

Cosmo: (giggle) Well, there's Glisten. He's always walking into walls. Good think you're always going with him now. But no, I think it's just him.

Rodger: Thank you. So, are there any prolonged effects of dizziness?

Cosmo: I suppose disorientation and throwing up could be some? It really depends on why you're dizzy though. I wouldn't worry about Glisten too much though. He says he's fine.

Rodger: Well, thank you for your time. I really should be finding Sprout now.

Cosmo: Well, you're welcome!

Chapter 6: Gossip (Audio Tape 2)

Rodger: Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Sprout.

Sprout: Cosmo said you wanted to talk about healing stuff?

Rodger: That is correct. So, how much do you know about 'healing stuff'?

Sprout: Well, I heard a lot about first aid from Sam. I think I'm pretty good at getting using the tapes to heal though.

Rodger: I agree. What do you know about dizziness?

Sprout: Oh! You're worried about Glisten.

Rodger: You'd be correct. So, what do you-

Sprout: You know, I told him his makeup was smudged or something and he almost had a panic attack.

Rodger: He does care about that a lot. So-

Sprout: There was one run you weren't on recently and he gut exhausted by like, the first floor. He used to be really good at sticking it out any time, but it's probably best your with him all the time.

Rodger: Sprout-

Sprout: He's always walking into walls. I can kind of see when people's hearts are down, and his heart thingy will crack when he does his trick before going back to normal.

Rodger: How fair does it crack?

Sprout: About half of one heart missing. It always goes back to normal.

Rodger: That's great information. Do you-

Sprout: Anyways, how's Toodles doing these days? I haven't gotten a chance to babysit her much these days.

Rodger: I'd you really want to see her, you can ask Glisten about watching her instead.

Sprout: Ooh~ You two seem super close.

Rodger: I'm ending this interview…

Chapter 7: Real Medicine (Audio File 3)

Ginger: Hi, Rodger. Cosmo did say you wanted to know about healing. I do think I know a bit more about first aid than he does…

Rodger: That's just what I need. Do you know anything about dizziness?

Ginger: Oh, yes. I'm sure you and I both know that not having any depth perception can be a little dizzying, but we probably don't notice it much. I know I don't notice it much. You could also be dehydrated or hit your head. Your blood pressure could also be low, or your blood sugar could be low. Anxiety can also cause dizziness.

Rodger: You seem to know a lot about this stuff. Is it okay if I ask about where you learned this stuff?

Ginger: Well… it was just us holiday toons down in storage. Someone had to be a doctor of sorts.

Rodger: That's… a gods way to learn. So, how do you treat dizziness?

Ginger: Well, you'd need to inventory why the patient is dizzy. That's very important. Though, I'd probably start with drinking some water and eating food. That was usually why toons were dizzy down in storage.

Rodger: Thank you. What is your plan if that doesn't work?

Ginger: Well, I'd have the patient lay down. If there wasn't a preexisting head injury, I'd probably have them sleep. If it does go away after that, I'd probably try and get a hold of Delilah, but it's not like we can do that now.

Rodger: I see… This has been very informative, Ginger.

Ginger: Can I ask why you're asking? If someone isn't well, I can try and take a look at them.

Rodger: No, no. Everyone is okay for now. It's a… devolving situation.

Ginger: Okay, just tell me if it escalates.

Chapter 8: Appreciation

I found this one at the top of Glisten's trashcan.

 

Today was pretty nice actually.

So, I went on another run with Rodger and one of the twisteds got ichor on face!

Luckily Rodger had a handkerchief. The thing is, he wiped my face for me.

I thought he would smudge my makeup, but he didn't. He was very careful and I made sure to thank him a bunch.

I also noticed something weird going on with the others.

For one, we started bing Toodles along because we kind of have to, but she's always with me and Rodger.

For two, Sprout stopped asking if I was okay. He asks Toodles to ask me because I'm less superficial with her or something.

Excuse me if I don't want the child to end up like me.

I do love talking to her though. If Sprout is going to be a coward, I can still talk to Toodles more.

 

I don't think this changes much, but I can ask Sprout if he is worried about Glisten. I get that he wouldn't share out with me initially, though I think I need to know what he's thinking. I will schedule another interview.

Chapter 9: Stalking (Audio File 4)

Rodger: Thank you for sitting down with me once again.

Sprout: Eh, It's fine. I've been noticing Glisten's weird behavior too.

Rodger: You seem a lot less… combative this time.

Sprout: I don't really like you, but I also care about Glisten. I don't even know why. I just do.

Rodger: I fear I can say the same.

Sprout: I mean, you look at him for five seconds and you think you want to avoid him because he seems like he'd make your life worse, but then you look at him for even one second more and you realize somethings not right.

Rodger: Can you explain what you think is wrong?

Sprout: It's his little reflection thing. It makes him so dizzy and I think he's getting worse.

Rodger: I have noticed that as well.

Sprout: Why don't you just talk to him about it. He needs a reality check.

Rodger: I want to be able to show his condition to him on paper.

Sprout: So, you're stalking him?

Rodger: I wouldn't say that I'm stalking him.

Sprout: Listen, I'm not gonna tell him, but just reconsider. He's gonna be pissed when he finds out.

Rodger: Sprout, I just need to know what your opinion about his situation is.

Sprout: My opinion is that he's gonna pissed when he finds out that you've been stalking him.

Rodger: I figured that much already.

Sprout: I'm worried he's gonna walk face first into a twisted or something. Can you just… just talk to him already.

Rodger: Before something bad happens?

Sprout: Before something bad happens.

Rodger: I'll try and keep him out of runs. It's not like he wants to go on them anyway.

Sprout: Good idea, and quit stalking him. He's going to kill you.

Rodger: Figuratively I presume…

Sprout: Of course, but he's going to be so mad, just-

Rodger: I get it. I'll talk to him soon.

Chapter 10: Regret

Toodles gave me another one of her drawings, so I will be adding this to the file now.

 

(The drawing is drawn with both crayons and markers. It's of Glisten on his bed sleeping with just him, the bed, nightstand, and lamp in the drawing. The lamp is on and his favorite sleeping mask is next to the lamp on the nightstand. The back is written with black marker)

Glisten watched me after the last run I was in with him and Rodger. Rodger had promised to meet Brightney after the run, so he left me with Glisten and a promised to bring me back a storybook. So, I went with Glisten and I offered to draw with him since he usually likes to draw flowers and he promised to teach me at some point, but he said he needed a nap. A NAP. I'm starting to see why Rodger has been so worried about Glisten. I sat on his bed as he slept, but I just kind of drew this picture. It's not like I'd do anything bad anyways. I feel like Glisten is going to get in trouble for not watchin me like he should, but Rodger says investigations shouldn't be based on emotions. Anyways, Glisten looked like he felt better when he woke up. He did my makeup like he promised he would earlier. Anyways, it was fun.

 

I would like to be ms at him for not watching Toodles like he promised, but I can't bring myself to. I believe I'll take Sprout's words to heart and end this charade soon. I know Glisten will be mad, but hopefully he can see my reasoning.

Chapter 11: Getting Kicked Out

Glisten sat on his bed, listening to Toodles's questionable taste in music. The songs weren't bad, but she was a little too young to listen to this stuff. Rodger said hiding things from her wouldn't help anything and she could only be protected if she knew what the stuff was. It didn't matter to Glisten. He wasn't Toodles's dad.

Don't tell Rodger he said that.

He scrolled through the songs, trying to find one he could fall asleep to. He could probably sleep through anything at this point, but Sprout was about ready to shake him. However, one quick Look through the playlist showed Toodles didn't have a taste in music, she just liked loud things.

"This is why you don't promise to listen to someone's playlist before seeing it…" Glisten muttered. He decided to just put the playlist on shuffle since he was planning on passing out on his bed in five seconds anyways. He was about to put his wired headphones in, he really didn't want to talk to the weirdo who manned the trains to ask for more, when there was a knock at his door.

"Glisten, can I come in? I have something to show you," Rodger asked from the other side of the door. Glisten gripped the old and broken iPod in his hands that Vee managed to keep working through sheer luck honestly. He wanted to go to sleep. He was so tired.

"Are you okay? I can come back another time if you need me to," Rodger offered. Glisten sighed and got up from his bed. He took a moment to gain his balance as his vision swam, but he knew how to hide everything and act perfect. He was perfect after all. He just needed to show that he was perfect. Yes, that was it…

"I'm here, I'm here. Come in," Glisten greeted. He tried to act nonchalant, but his face betrayed his excitement at actually seeing Rodger despite his best efforts to disguise it. Rodger smiled as much as he could without a mouth. He stepped inside, standing on the rug expectantly.

"I have a case I want your opinion on," Rodger explained. He handed Glisten the folder he was holding, but he was shaking while he did it. Glisten looked at Rodger worriedly, but he couldn't see any other signs of distress of the magnifying glass's face. He decoded to ignore it. He opened to the folder only to be met with one of his own 'diary' pages.

"Get out," Glisten said calmly. Rodger looked momentarily confused, but he seemingly got the message. Glisten didn't say anything, or even let Rodger have the privilege of meeting his eyes with his own. He just wanted the damned detective gone. Rodger didn't leave immediately though.

"Glisten, if you-"

"GET OUT!" Glisten screamed. Rodger finally took that as his sign to leave and left. Luckily he didn't try to garb the field back. Glisten wanted to read them in full. He wanted to be able to beat Rodger over the head with every betrayal, and whoever helped the asshole too. He sat on his rug, fighting back tears. He opened it slowly, going through the surprisingly small amount of information.

He just needed to read it all.

Chapter 12: Hate

"So, I was-"

"SPROUT!" Glisten shrieked. Cosmo paused, his train of thought being interrupted. He glanced at Sprout who had nothing short of an 'Oh, shit' expression on his face. Cosmo was the first to stand from Sprout!s bed, ready to defuse whatever Glisten was pissed about this time.

"What the hell did were you thinking when you decided to air all my dirty laundry for me? Huh? What the heck was that for?" Glisten demanded. He had angry tears in his eyes, most having already spilled from his eyes. Sprout hid behind Cosmo, nit quite ready to face the music for what he had done. He had expected a heads up from Rodger at the very least.

"Glisten, buddy, let's not yell," Cosmo appealed. A tape went flying and hit Sprout in the middle of his face. Sprout groaned, but he knew he was fine. Glisten had every right to be pissed at him. He should leave Cosmo out of it. If Sprout had to discover what was going on, Cosmo didn't know.

"I will yell if I want to fucking yell! Sprout is lucky I'm not trying to strangle him right now!" Glisten badgered. Cosmo stepped firmly in front of Sprout. Cosmo highly doubted Sprout would ever do something that required strangling. Glisten just needed to calm down and they could all get this sorted out. They'd all be fine.

"Okay… let's take a deep breath. There's no need to-"

"I hate you! I hate you so much!" Glisten screamed. Maybe that was an overreaction on his part. He didn't hate Sprout. Glisten was just mad. The second tape to the face said something else though. Sprout groaned again, sitting behind Cosmo so he'd be safe from any future flying tapes.

"Tell Rodger I hate him too! If I ever see him again- He's dead!" Glisten chided. He stormed off after he threw a stack of papers at the floor and sent every leaf flying throughout Sprout's room. Sprout wondered if he was going to cry. He felt bad for what he did. He could've just told Glisten. He could've done more than just telling Rodger to stop.

"What was that all about?" Cosmo asked while still shell-shocked from the incident itself. Glisten couldn't be that mad for no reason. He had to have a reason. Glisten did everything for a reason. It was his modus operandi. Cosmo began to pick up the pieces of paper, reading them as he went.

Yeah, Cosmo would've been pissed too.

Chapter 13: Children and Their Missing Credit

Glisten stood in the elevator. He felt shitty like he normally did. Rodger was on the other side of the elevator, but Glisten had been ignoring the detective. Glisten took a deep breath as he felt all the eyes in the room on him. He needed to prove a point.

"Hey, Glisten?" Toodles asked innocently. Glisten looked down, smiling at Toodles. Toodles never questioned him or called him fake. She just asked for makeup advice and how to dress up Pebble. She was just a kid. Glisten crouched down, patting her head. She had her dog plush clutched tight to her chest, trying not ti act scared.

"Yeah, Toodles? Do you need something?" Glisten inquired. Toodles shook her head. She looked worried. She reached out for Glisten's face, messily touching his forehead in way Rodger did when she was sick. Glisten smiled wearily. He had tried to protect her, but she was a smart kid.

"Can I fallow you around the floor?" Toodles begged. Glisten blinked. He didn't know how much Toodles could do at her age, but he'd let her tag along. He had much lower stealth than her too. Glisten was fine as well. He was absolutely fine. He was perfect. He could protect Toodles. So, he nodded. Toodles, smiled, hugging him excitedly.

When the elevator doors opened, everyone split up. Pebble ran off, taking care of the twisteds almost instantaneously. Toodles held Glisten's hand, but not as tightly as she usually would. She was holding his hand like he was fragile. Glisten's heart broke a million times over.

"So, can I come with you to your room when we're done?" Toodles asked. She had been asking a million questions about spending time with Glisten, though Glisten knew full well Rodger wouldn't let her. Glisten understood. He was fine- but not fine enough to watch a whole child safely. That was all he would admit though, and that's only because Toodles deserved the truth.

"Why don't you go to Poppy's room? She has lost of soda," Glisten suggested. He continued to spin the machine knit letting a single shake in his hands mess up his skill checks. After all, only her could see them. For all anyone else knew, he was hitting the gold bar every time. He was still perfect.

"I want to have a sleepover in your room like we used to do. Why don't we anymore?" Toodles asked, stomping her foot. Glisten took another deep breath. Rodger was basically Toodles's dad. Of course she'd ask the hard hitting questions since she had no filter. Rodger apparently lacked or as well, but that wasn't relevant right-

The error sound of a failed skill check rang out. Glisten was lucky Pebble was distracting. He felt a tiny shive and instinctively moved away. Toodles took over, handling the machine like she had been doing this forever. She dropped her plushie as she did her little dance, so Glisten picked it up.

"Thanks, Toodles… You're the best kid ever…" Glisten mumbled. Tears filled his eyes. He looked at the dog plush and then Toodles. He remembered putting rhinestones around the dot in her head and across the eight so she would love it more. He remembered her some on the dog too since she like the dog because if the similarities. Then she put a lopsided circle on his forehead.

His glass was still a little smudged on the area just beneath his swirl. Glisten said it made more sense to put it on the swirl, but Toodles insisted it was his hair and the 'shiny circles' went on your forehead. He hadn't had the heart to tell her she was wrong. He could live with that one slight smudge.

"Are you crying?" Toodles questioned as she finished the machine. She turned to Glisten, reaching up to feel his forehead again. He let her as she wouldn't feel a thing. It would calm her down, that's all. Toodles still looked worried though. She reached the best she could to wipe Glisten's tears, just smearing it all over his face since toon skin wasn't very absorbent.

"Don't cry. I'm sure Rodger still loves you even if you're fighting with him. He cares about you very much," Toodles comforted. Glisten had to stifle his laughter at the insinuation that Rodger actually loved Glisten. Glisten was just a test subject like everyone else was to Rodger, expect Toodles.

"I don't think he loves me like that, Toodles," Glisten deflected. He hugged Toodles tight, just catching the scoff she emitted. Glisten decided to leave it. He was nit touching anything Rodger related anymore than he had. Sprout had done it on his behalf enough for life at this point. Glisten hugged Toodles tighter. This was probably the only time she'd get to hang out with him like she wanted.

They weren't truly alone when there were six other people on the floor.

The elevator door opened with a whoosh and Toodles tugged at Glisten to run with her. He did as she asked, even if his legs felt jelly. He couldn't say no. Toodles was too precious, too innocent, and much too young to be caught in the middle of all of this. Rodger should've been banned from seeing Toddles for a whole in Glisten's oh-so biased opinion after he used her as a pawn. She had been being watched more by others lately however.

Glisten figured it was on Sprout or Cosmo's insistence since they were the only other ones who knew what actually going on. Everyone else probably assumed it was Glisten's pride finally catching up to him.

Honestly, it was. However, that had little to do with why he was mad at Rodger. Rodger had every right to be concerned, but concern didn't equated to stalking. Glisten watched as Toodles ran off to talk to Sprout and Boxten and Cosmo. She seemed happy. That was all Glisten could hope for right now.

Chapter 14: Luckless

"Do you hate Rodger now?" Toodles asked innocently. She had followed Glisten throughout every floor so far. It was like she was scared to leave him alone. Glisten didn't mind. He already stayed decently far away from twisteds due to his low stealth, so Toodles was extra safe.

"I don't think I do. I'm just mad," Glisten explained. He did hate Rodger. Toodles didn't need to know that though. She looked up ti Rodger. Glisten wasn't going to be the one to ruin that. There were two machines next to each other, so Toodles and Glisten worked on them side by side. Glisten yawned. He needed a nap.

"Is he sorry? Do you think you'll forgive him?" Toodles pressed. Glisten pursed his lips. He didn't know. He didn't know if Rodger even knew why Glisten was mad. He probably did because of what Sprout said, but he didn't act like he did. Glisten was avoiding Rodger, but he could try to apologize.

"I don't know, Toodles. I need time to be less angry," Glisten responded. Toodles huffed. Glisten didn't get why she cared so much. He really wish she didn't. Maybe she wouldn't care so much if Rodger didn't shoehorn her into the 'investigation'. That probably wouldn't have changed how Toodles felt at that moment, but Glisten could pretend until he believed himself.

They proceeded in silence before it was time to walk away. They chatted about drawing and makeup and games, stuff Toodles would like. She liked dramatic makeup, not exactly Glisten's style but he would do anything for Toodles. If he was going to be as self-important as he used to be, when he still had the energy to be, he was probably more of Toodles's dad than Rodger ever was. He certainly didn't force her into adult problems.

"Do you still love me?" Toodles asked out of the blue. Glisten paused. Why would Toodles ever think that? Had he not been paying enough attention to her? Had he done something wrong?

"Of course I still love you! I can't spend as much time with you because I need more rest and you need to be watched properly. It's not your fault," Glisten insisted. He hugged Toodles tight, making her squeak. She hugged him back. She looked so thankful. Glisten's heart was breaking in two.

"I miss you… Why does everything change? I liked when we were a family, Glisten," Toodles said. Glisten leaned against a nearby wall. He couldn't see himself staying upright much longer while holding Toodles if he didn't get some support. Toodles seemed comfortable in his arms. Glisten would protect her forever if he could, but he couldn't. Today was just a good day.

He was just lucky.

"It's not about you. Everyone here loves you, besides Shrimpo. Shrimpo doesn't like anyone though," Glisten teased. He put Toodles down as she was honestly too big to carry for any normal toon, but lots of people still did it. No one minded how big she got. She would always be a baby to them.

"What about you, me, and Rodger? I thought we were a family," Toodles whined. She hugged Glisten's leg. She didn't want to let go. She didn't want him to go. Glisten hated that he couldn't make Toodles less scared. He patted her head gently, gesturing for her to follow him as they kept walking around. They at least needed to do something.

"I don't know about the three of us specifically. We're- we were just friends. I still love you very much, but if anyone is your dad it's Rodger," Glisten assured. He was trying his best to reassure Toodles. She clearly wasn't feeling very reassured though.

"I think he loves you," Toodles mumbled. Glisten's face turned beat red. If anyone was going to be in love with him, it better not be Rodger. Rodger was still one wrong move away from getting his eye clawed out. Glisten wanted to be love, but by any but Rodger. Shrimpo would be better than Rodger right now.

"Ooo~ Someone's blushing! Do you love him too? Can we be a family again?" Toodles pleaded. Glisten was amazed at the emotional whiplash Toodles could unintentionally create. She would always be his family in a way. He didn't need Rodger. He didn't need anyone. Why should this be any different?

"I don't know about that, Toodles. You can have little families inside a big one you know." Glisten didn't know why it came out that way, but Toodles seemed to understood. Rodger should be ashamed. His own child was smarter than him. Glisten began to lead her in a completely different direction as he saw Boxten on the last machine.

This floor was probably just cursed with emotional intelligence of something.

Chapter 15: Death to Our Friendship

Glisten yawned. He was so ready to go sleep. The others had finally managed to pry Toodles off of him. So, he decided to go to his bedroom for a nap. Everyone else was going to eat dinner, but he wasn't hungry. He felt sick to his stomach actually. So much for being okay.

He looked at his door. It seemed like Rodger had been here before the run. There was a piece of paper stuck to it in Rodger's handwriting, or Glisten thought it was Rodger's. He couldn't read it. His vision was swimming too much. He just tore the note down and walked inside. He placed it on his clean desk. He hadn't written things down as of late.

He sat on his bed, hoping the dizzy feeling would go away. He hadn't teleported that much. He just needed to sleep. Why couldn't he move? He felt stuck. He needed to lay down. He didn't feel good. He should probably go to- No, no. If Cosmo was there, Sprout was there.

"Oh, get over yourself. You are fine. You are perfect!" He insisted. He couldn't be anything less than perfect. He was Glisten! Glisten was perfect. Glisten did get sick. He felt the paralysis of panic slowly subside and his body slowly fall back against his pillow. All he needed was a nap. He really only needed a nap. He was just so tired…

 

He woke up to thumps outside his door. He looked at his clock. It was 1:47. Who was messing around in the front of his room at this hour? He could hear Shrimpo snoring. It wasn't the shrimp with anger issues. Glisten stood up, ignoring the nauseous feeling in his gut.

"Hello? I'm trying to get my beauty sleep," Glisten complained. He slammed open his door, freezing. He had knocked Rodger to the floor. The two stared at each other. Glisten eventually managed to pry his eyes away from Rodger's to seeing a note and a roll of tape in his hand. Glisten huffed and slammed his door again, lamenting the fact he probably woke other people up.

"Glisten? I'm just want to say something. I won't bother you anymore, but can I please apologize," Rodger begged. Glisten stood on the other side of the door while he stared at his hands. They were shaking. He didn't know if it was because Rodger was here or the sick feeling, but he didn't like it.

"Say your peace. I'm listening," Glisten huffed. Rodger spilled into a long rant about how what he meant and what he did and what he felt. Glisten could understand it. He was still mad at Rodger, but the hate was subsiding. He wouldn't let go of one thing though. He couldn't wrap his head around involving Toodles in this mess.

"What about the kid?" Glisten interrupted. Rodger paused. He had been in the middle of explaining why he was wrong about the interview's specifically. It felt rehearsed, but Glisten could live with that. He'd have to live with that.

"Toodles wouldn't lie. She'd make an objective observation," Rodger justified. Glisten slammed his door open again. He stared into Rodger's eye, daring him to say that one more time. God, Rodger was a horrible father. Toodles could've had any other parental figure and she imprinted on Rodger. The poor girl didn't know any better though. She had no idea of 'better'.

"You shouldn't have done that. She's scared it's her fault because you couldn't resist learning more about how your playthings worked," Glisten accused. Rodger looked mildly offended. He was about to say something in protest, but the door was slammed in his face once again.

He stood there, holding his most sincere apology note in his hand. He had been trying to explain himself, but he hadn't thought about Toodles. Glisten wasn't right. No one was Rodger's plaything, especially not Toodles. He gripped the not until it creased and teared. He was just worried. He hadn't meant to hurt anyone, yet he hurt everyone.

He took a deep breath and started heading back to the elevator. He had a lot to think about. He should've thought about this before he did anything else. His hands shook. He was sorry. He hadn't meant to. He didn't it didn't matter what he meant anyways.

Chapter 16: Just for You

Glisten rubbed his eyes. He knew he was scheduled to go on a run today, but he didn't feel like it. No one would complain about him napping, not even Shrimpo. Shrimpo preferred when the mirror was fast asleep anyways. However, he heard a knock that interrupted his return trip to dream land.

"Um, Glisten. Someone left a chocolate bar outside your room and I don't want it to get stolen," Boxten called out. Glisten stretched, slowly putting his bow on and putting on a little makeup. He peaked his head out, looking around before he finally landed on the bar of chocolate in Boxten's hand. He purposely ignored the detective talking to Poppy in the background.

"Thanks, Boxy," Glisten mumbled, "And I can't go on the run with you and the others today. I… need some rest." Admitting that felt like swallowing glass, but he did it anyways. It was fine if it was Boxten. It was Boxten of all toons. Boxten wouldn't tell a soul.

"Yeah get all the rest you need!" Boxten said nervously before walking away. Glisten smiled and waved back. He slowly closed the door, letting the darkness consume him again. He really did need rest. He felt like he was dying slowly, and sometimes he actually believed that. Not that he'd do anything different. He was a stubborn guy.

He unwrapped the chocolate bar and slowly but surely stuffed each piece in his face. He definitely had a sweet tooth. The discarded candy wrappers around his room proved as much. If Tisha saw this place, Glisten would get a trash bag throw at his face. There was wrappers and paper everywhere.

He shoved the chocolate bar aside, feeling satisfied. He didn't have any plans for leaving his room, so this was going to be his breakfast. Maybe someone would come by and bring him whatever Cosmo and Sprout made. He'd love to talk to Boxten more, even if it was just for the express purposes of making Rodger jealous.

Glisten pushed himself up, eventually flopping on his bed. Rodger was right to be worried about him. Glisten only wished Rodger had just tallied to him. Glisten hated feeling so sick all the time. He felt cold and nauseous and dizzy and his head hurt. He had only been dizzy just a couple weeks ago.

He curled up under his blanket, humming the familiar sound of Boxten's music box that was known to the whole floor. It was a familiar sound to Glisten, specifically one he heard at night. He hoped it would make him sleep more peacefully as the idea of sleep itself was fairly easy. He was exhausted, like every particle he was made out of had used the last of its energy. He just woke up.

 

Glisten was stirred to the waking world by another knock on his door. He stood up, adjusted his bow and redid his makeup. He was in no hurry and anyone knocking on his door should know that. He opened the door to see Boxten again. He peered out his door slightly, looking around.

"Oh, someone left a bouquet out here when we were going around to gather everyone for the run and I wanted to tell you before we left," Boxten explained. Glisten peered to the side, noticing the bouquet of red carnations like the ones in one of the various gardens some of the other toons kept up. He picked the bouquet up.

"Thanks for telling me," Glisten mumbled. He looked around, trying to find a culprit. He knew it wasn't Boxten. It wasn't like Boxten to lie about being the one to get them for Glisten. That's when his eyes landed on Rodger once again. Cold clarity watched over Glisten. He knew what was happening.

"Do you mind bringing a trash bag by when you come back? I don't really want to leave, you know…" Glisten inquired. Boxten peered behind Glisten, spotting the mountains of crumbled up papers and scattered candy wrappers. He grimaced when he noticed the mess. Glisten felt his cheeks burn. He was embarrassed, but he just needed to get the notes away from anyone who would take them.

"Well, we kind of decided to take Shrimpo with us so you're not alone with him you know. You can go into the common area and get it yourself, if it's not too much!" Boxten amended. Glisten patted the music box's head and disappeared back into his room.

He threw open the curtains and found an empty vase with his headache. He opened the door to see if everyone was gone, and Shrimpo was behind while glaring at everyone in front of him. Glisten snuck out from the hermit hole that was his room and made a dash for the nearby sink. He filled up the vase and put the flowers in. He had half a mind to throw them away, but they were pretty.

He put the new decoration on his windowsill. He smiled lightly when he looked on them, but his expression quickly turned to a scowl. He squeezed his eyes shut and fell back against his pillows. He didn't bite he to get under his blankets this time. He was cold, but he was more tried than cold.

 

He was ever so rudely awaken by hitching in particular. He just woke up and he didn't want to. He huffed and sat up. If he was lucky, everyone was still gone and he could steal a few snacks from the common room. He was very hungry. He would've rather gone back to sleep, but he probably couldn't if he tried.

He swung open his door in preparation as he yawned. He scanned the surrounding area, only spotting a basket of fries that had presumably been heated up from the night before. He took a deep breath. Fries did sound good. He wasn't letting his feelings get in the way of good food.

He glanced around again, catching the last visage of a grey hand, Rodger's hand. Glisten held his head up high and slammed his bedroom door open. He sat on his bed and ate the fries, enjoying the flavor of room temperature, baked posts to slices. It was more about feeling full than the food, but cold fries weren't that bad, or maybe he was still half-asleep.

He could live with Rodger's apologies. He wouldn't ever leave his room unless he needed to if he was just given his food. He might want attention from people, but he was dying of embarrassment and distrust as of late. He could theoretically live in complete isolation if people let him.

 

Glisten continue to receive gifts throughout the day. There was blueberries, more chocolate bars, gummy worms, grapes, and a blueberry muffin. Glisten took each of the gifts and enjoyed them. He saw Rodger around each time, but he didn't say anything. He didn't want to say anything to Rodger at the moment. Rodger definitely knew him well enough. He definitely preferred the sweets.

Glisten knew he couldn't hide in his room forever. Rodger was about as persistent as Glisten was egotistical if not more so, but Glisten was exaggerating to his elf when he thought about never leaving his room again. Someone, or quite a few someone's would worry.

Not to mention there was a vent in his room Yatta could probably get through if she tried hard enough.

So, Glisten decided to finally get the trash bag he had asked Boxten about earlier. The run had ended long ago, but Poppy had managed to steal all of Boxten's attention away from whatever the poor guy had planned to do. Glisten didn't mind. Shrimpo was just kind of there too. He was most likely sulking. Rodger hadn't left anything by his door, so it was just his neighbors on the floor and maybe one of Poppy's friends.

Needless to say, Glisten wasn't expecting to walk face first into Rodger of all people. He had run into plenty of things and people, but he usually could predict who it was. He stood up and tried to walk away like nothing happened. He was great at ignoring problems. Perfect people weren't clumsy.

"Glisten, wait," Rodger interrupted. Glisten huffed and spun around. After so many gifts and probably lots of effort out into persuasion to get the food from the kitchen. Glisten could spare a minuet to hear him out. Rodger took a deep breath, fidgeting with the edges of sleeves. He was nervous. It was unlike Rodger to be nervous about anything at all.

"Um, did you like the things I gave you?"

Glisten nodded.

"Do you need help with anything?"

Glisten glanced around. No one was paying attention to the two toons talking. They probably would be if they knew who was having the random altercation, but Shrimpo lived in this floor. Someone fighting with someone else wouldn't be all that weird.

"Yeah. I need to clean all the paper up from my room, and you better not pocket it," Glisten grumbled. Rodger nodded quietly. He quietly helped Glisten grab trash bags and began to put handfuls of candy wrappers and papers into the trash bags. Glisten kept looking over his shoulder to make sure Rodger wasn't pocketing any notes. Rodger really wasn't.

"That's all of it. Um, call me if you need anything else," Rodger said before he left. He took two out of the three trash bags with too. Glisten could've taken them himself, but Rodger did it first. He shrugged it off. He was tired anyways. He couldn't do anything anymore apparently.

He flopped on his bed. He shut his eyes as tightly as he could. He really needed to get a hold of his… issue. It hurt to admit that something was wrong with him, but he could only say it to himself and in his head. He was being pathetic. He was being so, so pathetic. He felt sick still, but in a more intense way than before he had done anything.

Maybe laying in his bed forever wasn't a horrible idea.

Chapter 17: How Pathetic

Toodles sat on her rug as still as she possibly could. She hadn't been on a run in a while. She didn't want anyways. She had done something wrong clearly. Rodger and Glisten didn't ever fight. They loved each other, at least Toodles thought they did. Rodger loved Glisten.

The works around her buzzed. She could gear everything but age she didn't care. She could probably go check on Gigi's weird nighttime bid habits and report to Rodger, but Glisten got mad about the last investigation she was a part of. Glisten had never minded being watched before. He liked attention. Toodles didn't know the difference.

She had written a heartfelt note to give to Cosmo since he was on speaking terms with both of them. Most tokens gad taken a side, none if the being Toodles's. The note sounded too sad though. The last one sounded too angry. The one before that was too calm. Toodles wanted to scream now.

Her hand hovered as she started a new note. She had gotten 'Dear Glisten' dusk so far. She was supposed to add 'and Rodger'. She didn't know of Rodger was going to listen though. He was a good detective, but he couldn't work with eyewitnesses not trained to write everything down in a way he would understand. Glisten always listened. Glisten was always there.

So, Toodles added a coma. Rodger could hear about this when Toodles was calmer. He wouldn't understand it any other way after all. Toodles knew she could pour her heart out to Glisten. He'd listen to whatever incoherent ramblings she managed to put to paper.

 

Dear Glisten,

I just want to tell you a few things. I don't know what exactly happened, but I'm pretty sure it happened because of me. I know you're going to say it's not may fault, but I know that adults lie to kids. I'm not dumb and I'm being treated like I am. I have these words because someone bothered to teach them to me and you still act like I'm a little kid. If your'e going to tell me I'm special, treat me like I'm special. I'm sorry for messing up things between you Rodger. I love you both very much, forever.

Love,
Toodles

Toddles immediately threw this draft in the trash. It was just as emotional as the others. It wasn't good enough. It would never been good enough. Her words weren't good enough they her people. Good words didn't hurt people. Good kids didn't hurt people. Toodles wasn't a good kid with even worse words. How pathetic.

Chapter 18: Broken

Glisten and Rodger were on speaking terms, barely. Glisten wanted to go back on runs, but Cosmo told him very politely, with minimal yelling for Sprout, that he's not doing that without a buddy. Glisten didn't want to ask anyone, so he settled on his old run partner.

It was quiet. Glisten wasn't doing any machines because he couldn't land any of the skill checks for some reason, but Rodger didn't know that. Rodger probably thought he was being grumpy. Vee called Glisten a passenger princess. Glisten wanted to shake the TV until something in her systems came loose, but he decided to be gracious and not try and murder her.

"Are you going to do anything, Princess?" Rodger teased. Glisten pursed his lips. Rodger didn't exactly get that Glisten was still mad at him. Glisten didn't mind it in its entirety. Rodger would act normal now. He did miss the gifts though. Those were nice.

"I'm going to yell at Vee later," Glisten grumbled. Rodger giggled and walked to the nearby machine. Glisten followed him. He didn't want to be alone even if Cosmo and Sprout didn't force him to keep someone near him at all times. Glisten felt sicker than most days for one. If he did get sick, he'd be right next to Rodger. Rodger still cared.

It was quiet aside from the noise of the machine. It was making Glisten's headache worse. He could make it to the next floor, but eh wasn't sure about making it further. Glisten wondered about Toodles. He'd stop by her bedroom and say goodnight if he was still awake then. He probably wouldn't be.

"Hey, we need to get to the elevator," Rodger reminded. Glisten didn't even nod. He wanted to sit down. He didn't understand. What was going on. He hated this so damn much.

"I take it that you're going to teleport there? You really shouldn't do that. I'll walk you there," Rodger said, extending his hand. Glisten stared at it as best he could. His vision was spinning. Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why was this happening to him?

He couldn't stand the thought of being left behind. Rodger wouldn't leave him behind. Rodger would never leave him behind like that. Rodger wouldn't leave him behind like that. Rodger wouldn't leave him behind like that. Rodger wouldn't let him fall behind. He wouldn't he knew that. He hoped that. Rodger still cared, right?

"Take a deep breath. Everything is okay. We can go back up," Rodger comforted. Glisten felt tears streaming down his face. He was pathetic. Where was his perfection now? He felt Rodger pull him closer. He let Rodger. Glisten was sobbing now. He didn't want anyone to see him. He didn't fight back.